helium

he-li-um · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A chemical element (symbol He, atomic number 2), a colorless, odorless, inert noble gas that is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the observable universe.

  2. 2.

    This gas when used commercially, especially for inflating balloons or as a coolant.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    helium balloon — a balloon filled with helium gas, causing it to float
  • •
    helium voice — the high-pitched voice effect caused by inhaling helium

Related words

See also: element, hydrogen, noble gas

Etymology

From Greek helios ("sun"), because helium was first detected as a spectral line during a solar eclipse in 1868, before it was found on Earth. Named by English astronomer Norman Lockyer.