Word
semiconductor
Phoneticssemi·con·duc·tor
US/ˌsɛmaɪkənˈdəktɝ/
UK/sˌɛmɪkəndˈʌktɐ/
Definitions
01the material
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a material, like silicon, that allows electricity to flow through it only under certain conditions.
n. a solid substance that has a conductivity between that of an insulator and that of most metals, either due to the addition of an impurity or because of temperature effects.
“Silicon is the most common semiconductor used in the electronics industry today.”
“The physical properties of a semiconductor can be precisely altered through a process called doping, which introduces specific impurities into the crystal lattice.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the substance itself.
Teaching tip
While technically a material, in news and business contexts it almost always refers to the industry or the chips themselves.
02electronic component
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a tiny electronic part or computer chip made from semiconductor material.
n. an electronic device or integrated circuit composed of semiconductor material, such as a transistor or a microprocessor.
“The car factory had to stop production because they couldn't get enough semiconductors.”
“Global supply chains were severely disrupted when the demand for semiconductors outpaced the manufacturing capacity of the world's leading foundries.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun in this sense, often in the plural.
Real-World Examples
“Atomically thin semiconductors could enable dramatically smaller and more efficient chips, but a stubborn problem at the boundary between materials has limited their performance.” “Over the past two decades, photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) have shown promise as a type of advanced semiconductor laser useful in defense- and aerospace-related applications.” “Pyrite iron sulfide is a unique semiconductor because it absorbs light extraordinarily well and is composed of abundant, nontoxic and cost-effective elements.” Etymology
From semi- + conductor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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