noun
- an element that has properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals
Usage: chemistry; physics
Examples
- Silicon is a well-known semimetal used in computer chips.
- Arsenic and antimony are examples of semimetals.
- The semimetal boron has unique electrical properties.
- Scientists study semimetals for their potential in electronics.
- Germanium is a semimetal that conducts electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals.
- The periodic table shows semimetals positioned between metals and nonmetals.