# semiconductor

/ˌsɛmaɪkənˈdəktɝ/ (US) · /sˌɛmɪkəndˈʌktɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/semiconductor
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the material

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a material, like silicon, that allows electricity to flow through it only under certain conditions.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. electronic component

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a tiny electronic part or computer chip made from semiconductor material.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Silicon is the most common semiconductor.
- The factory produces semiconductor chips for smartphones.
- The global shortage of semiconductors disrupted the automotive industry.

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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.