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Tellurium: meaning, definitions and examples

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tellurium

 

[ tɛləˈrɪəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Tellurium is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid element that is used primarily in alloys and as a semiconductor. It is categorized in group 16 of the periodic table and shares some properties with sulfur and selenium. Due to its unique properties, tellurium is also used in solar panels and various electronic devices.

Synonyms

Te, atomic number 52.

Examples of usage

  • Tellurium is often blended with copper to improve its machinability.
  • The semiconductor industry utilizes tellurium for its unique electrical properties.
  • Tellurium is an essential component in certain types of solar cells.

Translations

Translations of the word "tellurium" in other languages:

🇵🇹 telúrio

🇮🇳 टेलूरियम

🇩🇪 Tellur

🇮🇩 telurium

🇺🇦 телур

🇵🇱 tellur

🇯🇵 テルル

🇫🇷 tellure

🇪🇸 telurio

🇹🇷 tellür

🇰🇷 텔루륨

🇸🇦 تيلوريوم

🇨🇿 telur

🇸🇰 telúr

🇨🇳 碲

🇸🇮 telur

🇮🇸 tellúr

🇰🇿 телурий

🇬🇪 ტელურიუმი

🇦🇿 telur

🇲🇽 telurio

Etymology

The name 'tellurium' is derived from the Latin word 'tellus', which means 'earth'. It was first discovered in 1782 by the Hungarian chemist Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein while he was working in the mines of Transylvania. Initially, tellurium was recognized as a byproduct of gold ore refining, and its properties were not well understood. The element was later isolated by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1817. Over the years, tellurium's uses have expanded, particularly in metal alloys and electronics, due to its unique electrical and thermal properties.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,875, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.