Germanium (noun)

A chemical element with the atomic number 32 and symbol Ge. It is a silvery-white metalloid in the carbon group, used in transistors, solar cells, and other electronics.

Origin:

The term 'germanium' was first used in 1886 and is named after the country of germany.

Examples:

1. Germanium is a relatively rare element and is mostly obtained from the minerals argyrodite and germanite.
2. The germanium crystals used in solar cells are carefully grown to ensure high quality and purity.
3. Germanium is used in optical fibers to enhance the transmission of light signals.
4. The discovery of germanium's use as a semiconductor in 1947 revolutionized the electronics industry.
5. Germanium is a critical component in the production of transistors, which are the building blocks of all modern electronics.