# gallium

/ˈɡæɫiəm/ (US) · /ɡˈæliəm/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gallium
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a soft, silver-coloured metal that melts at very low heat, even from the warmth of your hand. People use it to make LEDs, phone chips and other electronics.

For teachers: a soft silvery chemical element with atomic number 31 that melts near 30°C, just above room temperature. Widely used in semiconductors, light-emitting diodes and low-melting alloys.

## Examples

- Gallium melts quickly in your warm hand.
- Engineers use gallium in LEDs and phone chips because it works well in tiny electronic parts.
- Gallium remains solid at room temperature but liquefies near body heat, a property that makes it valuable for semiconductors, thermometers, and low-melting alloys.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.