Definitions for: Selenium

[n] a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable gray metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)

Webster (1913) Definition: Se*le"ni*um, n. [NL., from Gr. ??? the moon. So
called because of its chemical analogy to tellurium (from L.
tellus the earth), being, as it were, a companion to it.]
(Chem.)
A nonmetallic element of the sulphur group, and analogous to
sulphur in its compounds. It is found in small quantities
with sulphur and some sulphur ores, and obtained in the free
state as a dark reddish powder or crystalline mass, or as a
dark metallic-looking substance. It exhibits under the action
of light a remarkable variation in electric conductivity, and
is used in certain electric apparatus. Symbol Se. Atomic
weight 78.9.

Synonyms: atomic number 34, Se

See Also: antioxidant, chemical element, element, fool's gold, iron pyrite, pyrite

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