selenium cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “selenium cell” mean?
A photoelectric device that converts light energy into electrical energy using the element selenium as the photosensitive material.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A photoelectric device that converts light energy into electrical energy using the element selenium as the photosensitive material.
A historical or specialized type of photoelectric cell used in early light meters, burglar alarms, and optical communication devices, characterized by its ability to generate a voltage proportional to light intensity without an external power source.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes mid-20th century technology, historical scientific equipment, or educational demonstrations of photoelectric principles.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, restricted to historical or highly specialized technical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “selenium cell” in a Sentence
The [selenium cell] [generates/produces] [a current].A [selenium cell] [is connected/wired] to [a galvanometer].[Light/Illumination] [falls on/strikes] the [selenium cell].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “selenium cell” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The selenium-cell apparatus was mounted on the tripod.
American English
- We studied selenium-cell response curves in the lab.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical contexts within physics or engineering history to discuss the development of photoelectric technology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely to refer to the specific obsolete component in restoration projects, museum descriptions, or pedagogical explanations of photoelectric effect history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “selenium cell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “selenium cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selenium cell”
- Confusing it with a modern solar panel.
- Misspelling as 'selinium' or 'cellenium'.
- Using it as a general term for any light sensor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A selenium cell is a specific, obsolete type of photoelectric device. Modern solar panels use silicon or other semiconductor materials and are far more efficient.
Selenium is a semiconductor whose electrical resistance decreases significantly when exposed to light, a property discovered in the 19th century, making it suitable for early light-sensing applications.
You are most likely to encounter one in a museum of science or technology, in a vintage camera or light meter, or in historical physics laboratory demonstrations.
Not precisely. 'Photocell' is a broader term for any light-sensitive cell. A selenium cell is one specific type of photocell, so all selenium cells are photocells, but not all photocells are selenium cells.
A photoelectric device that converts light energy into electrical energy using the element selenium as the photosensitive material.
Selenium cell is usually technical/historical in register.
Selenium cell: in British English it is pronounced /səˈliːniəm sɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈliniəm sɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As obsolete as a selenium cell.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SELEnium CELL as a "SEE-LIGHT CELL" – it sees light and makes electricity.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIGHT-HARVESTING LEAF (an early, simple form of converting environmental energy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a selenium cell?