Antimonide is a term that may not be familiar to everyone, but it is an important term in the field of chemistry. This term refers to a type of chemical compound that contains antimony, a metallic element. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antimonide, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
An antimonide is a compound that contains antimony and one or more other elements. These compounds are usually semiconductors, which means that they have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Antimonides are often used in electronic devices, such as transistors and diodes.
Origin
The word “antimonide” comes from the Latin word “antimonium,” which means “stibnite,” a mineral that contains antimony. Antimony has been known since ancient times, and it was used in various applications, including medicine, cosmetics, and metallurgy. The first antimonide compound was discovered in the 19th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term “antimonide” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it can be found in scientific and technical dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines antimonide as “a binary compound of antimony with a more electropositive element or radical.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a compound of antimony with another element or group.”
Associations
Antimonides are often associated with the field of semiconductor technology. They are used in electronic devices such as transistors, diodes, and infrared detectors. Antimonides are also used in solar cells, where they can help to increase the efficiency of the cell.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for antimonide include antimony compound, antimony salt, and antimony oxide.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for antimonide, but some related terms include metalloid, semiconductor, and insulator.
The same root words
There are no direct root words for antimonide, but it is derived from the Latin word “antimonium,” which means “stibnite.”
Example Sentences
- The new semiconductor device is made from an antimonide compound.
- The researchers found that the antimonide material had excellent electrical properties.
- The solar cells were made with an antimonide layer to increase their efficiency.