helium
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for helium, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A colorless, odorless, chemically inert gas, the second-lightest element, used to fill balloons and cool superconducting equipment.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use helium
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek helios ("sun"), because the element was first detected in sunlight before it was found on Earth.
Full origin of helium →Frequently asked questions
What does “helium” mean?
The word “helium” means a colorless, odorless, chemically inert gas, the second-lightest element, used to fill balloons and cool superconducting equipment. In plain terms, the light gas that makes party balloons float and, if you inhale it, makes your voice go high-pitched.
How do you pronounce “helium”?
“Helium” is pronounced HEE-lee-uhm (/ˈhiː.li.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “helium” in a sentence?
Here is “helium” used in a sentence: “Breathing in helium temporarily makes your voice sound squeaky.”
What is another word for “helium”?
Words with a similar meaning to “helium” include E939 when used as a packaging gas.
What part of speech is “helium”?
“Helium” is a noun.
Where does the word “helium” come from?
The word “helium” comes from Greek. From Greek helios ("sun"), because the element was first detected in sunlight before it was found on Earth.
Is “helium” a common word?
“Helium” is an uncommon word in modern English.