selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm 
: a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of selenium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Adults should not exceed 400 mcg of selenium daily.8
Risks of taking selenium supplements include:
Side effects: Consuming too much selenium may increase the chance of side effects.
—
Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Similarly, selenium levels in animal foods depend on the amount of selenium in the food (typically plants) the animal ate.8
Good sources of selenium are outlined below:2
Brazil nuts, 1 ounce, 544 mcg selenium: Just six to eight Brazil nuts contain 989% of the daily value for selenium.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Best Minerals for Heart Health Calcium, zinc, and selenium topped the study’s list of heart-healthy minerals.
—Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024
Canned Tuna Protein: 40.6 g Sodium: 86 mg, or 3.73% of the DV
Canned tuna is a convenient and versatile source of protein that's also rich in B6, B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for selenium 
Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Similarly, selenium levels in animal foods depend on the amount of selenium in the food (typically plants) the animal ate.8
Good sources of selenium are outlined below:2
Brazil nuts, 1 ounce, 544 mcg selenium: Just six to eight Brazil nuts contain 989% of the daily value for selenium.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Best Minerals for Heart Health Calcium, zinc, and selenium topped the study’s list of heart-healthy minerals.
—Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024
Canned Tuna Protein: 40.6 g Sodium: 86 mg, or 3.73% of the DV
Canned tuna is a convenient and versatile source of protein that's also rich in B6, B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for selenium
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'selenium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near selenium
Cite this Entry
“Selenium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selenium. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: an element that is sensitive to light and is used especially in glass, alloys, and electronic devices see element
Medical Definition
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: a nonmetallic photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is an essential trace element found especially in grains and meat, and is used chiefly in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys
—symbol Se
see Chemical Elements Table, selenosis
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