HELIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Helium is a chemical element represented by the symbol "He" and atomic number 2 on the periodic table. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas that exists in the atmosphere in extremely small quantities. Helium is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen.
At standard conditions, helium is a gas that remains in a liquid state at extremely low temperatures. It possesses unique properties such as low boiling and melting points, which make it suitable for various applications. Its name is derived from the Greek word "helios," meaning sun, as it was first discovered by astronomers during observations of a solar eclipse.
Helium is primarily obtained through natural gas extraction, as it accumulates in certain underground deposits over millions of years. It has several key uses, most notably in cryogenics, where its low temperatures are crucial for superconducting magnets and cooling scientific equipment. Additionally, helium is widely employed as a lifting gas for blimps, party balloons, and airships due to its lighter-than-air properties.
In the medical field, helium-oxygen mixtures are utilized to treat respiratory conditions, while in industrial applications, helium is employed for leak detection, as a shielding gas in welding, and in various analytical instruments. Helium is chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other elements, making it a valuable gas for specific purposes. However, its limited supply has prompted concerns about conservation and responsible usage.
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A gaseous element, symbol He, atomic weight 4, first discovered in the sun; it is produced by the radium emanation, and is possibly the same as the alpha rays of this substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for HELIUM *
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Other Common Misspellings for HELIUM
Etymology of HELIUM
The word helium is derived from the Greek word helios, which means sun. It was named so because helium was first discovered in the atmosphere of the sun by the French astronomer Jules Janssen in 1868. The suffix -ium is a common suffix used in chemistry to denote an element. Hence, the word helium literally means element of the sun.
Idioms with the word HELIUM
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helium head
The idiom "helium head" refers to someone who is acting in a spacey or flighty manner, as if their head is filled with helium and floating away. It can also describe someone who is overly enthusiastic or excited to the point of being unrealistic or disconnected from reality.
Similar spelling words for HELIUM
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