helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

ˈhēl-yəm

: a chemical element of the noble gas group with atomic number 2 that is found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, as a coolant for superconductors, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding)

—often used before another noun

helium balloons

helium gas

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of helium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, scientists and engineers work through testing to better understand and resolve problems that occurred during Starliner's launch and flight, including some misfiring thrusters and helium leaks. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024

The launch had been postponed multiple times over the past few weeks because of unfavorable weather conditions and a helium leak. —Michael Sheetz, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2024

Recommended Hope In the shadow of war, life begins anew in a Congolese maternity ward An attempt to launch last month was postponed hours before liftoff over a small helium leak in ground equipment on SpaceX’s launchpad. —Joey Roulette and Gerry Doyle, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Sep. 2024

Another 24-hour delay was ordered Tuesday, Aug. 27, due to a helium leak discovered by engineers in a launch pad umbilical connected to the rocket's engines. —David Chiu, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hēlios

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable element that is found in various natural gases and is used especially to blow up balloons see element

Medical Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research

—symbol He see Chemical Elements Table