a nonmetallic element that exists in several allotropic forms. It occurs free in volcanic areas and in sulphide ores, esp pyrite. The common form is a grey crystalline solid that is photoconductive, photovoltaic, and semiconducting: used in photocells, solar cells, and in xerography. Symbol: Se; atomic no: 34; atomic wt: 78.96; valency: –2, 4, or 6; relative density: 4.79 (grey); melting pt: 221°C (grey); boiling pt: 685°C (grey)
Word origin
C19: from New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon; named by analogy to tellurium (from Latin tellus earth)
selenium in American English
(səˈliniəm)
noun
a nonmetallic chemical element with several allotropic forms, used in photoelectric devices because its electrical conductivity varies with the intensity of light: also used in rectifiers, in certain electrostatic copying processes, etc.: symbol, Se; at. no., 34
Word origin
ModL: so named (1818) by Berzelius < Gr selēnē, the moon (see Selene) + -ium, by analogy with tellurium, with which it was assoc. in the ore
Examples of 'selenium' in a sentence
selenium
The same applies to selenium deficiency.
Stanway, Dr Andrew Miracle Micronutrients (1987)
For example, some shampoos contain selenium and others zinc.
Stanway, Dr Andrew Miracle Micronutrients (1987)
But all that selenium and zinc can't do a lot of harm.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Low selenium means high risk of cancer The positive effects of selenium may apply to us too.
Holford, Patrick The Family Nutrition Workbook (1988)
The meat also contains selenium, which is a vital nutrient for a healthy immune system.
The Sun (2009)
You should also consume more soya, cut animal fat and consider taking zinc and selenium pills daily.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It has the advantage of giving you iron for energy, and zinc and selenium for a healthy immune system.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Also, there are tentative claims that a selenium deficiency produced by low selenium intravenous "feeds "produces muscular pain.
Stanway, Dr Andrew Miracle Micronutrients (1987)
Vitamin E supplements are often found in combination with the trace element selenium.
Shreeve, Caroline (Dr.) How to Lower High Blood Pressure (1994)
They contain antioxidants selenium and vitamin E, which can help your body deal with jet lag.
The Sun (2016)
FISH and seafood are rich in zinc and selenium, an antioxidant that supports the body's immune system.
The Sun (2011)
The minerals zinc and selenium, both needed for optimal fertility and a strong immune system, are similarly well represented in lean meat and again are easily absorbed.