Helium Meaning
/ˈhiː.li.əm/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe second-lightest chemical element (symbol He), with an atomic number of 2 and atomic weight of 4.002602, a colorless, odorless and inert noble gas.
nounA form or sample of the element.
Sentence Examples
Jupiter is a planet principally composed of hydrogen and helium.
Helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon are noble gases.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The balloon filled with ____ floated up to the ceiling.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The colorful party balloons were filled with ____ so they would float high in the air.
Word Origin & History
From New Latin helium, from Ancient Greek ἥλιος (hḗlios, “sun”) (because its presence was first theorised in the Sun's atmosphere) with the suffix + -ium. Probably coined by Norman Lockyer. This suffix is unusual, because it is usually used only for metallic elements. It is likely that Lockyer, being an astronomer, was unaware of the usual chemical conventions.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It was an enormous balloon filled with helium, that elemental gas forged from hydrogen in the nuclear furnace of the stars."
— 1997, Ian McEwan, Enduring Love, Vintage (1998), page 3:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The balloon filled with ____ floated up to the ceiling.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The colorful party balloons were filled with ____ so they would float high in the air.