noun Uncommon

helium

HEE-lee-uhm

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Helium (noun) means a colorless, odorless, chemically inert gas, the second-lightest element, used to fill balloons and cool superconducting equipment. Example: “Breathing in helium temporarily makes your voice sound squeaky.”

noun

A colorless, odorless, chemically inert gas, the second-lightest element, used to fill balloons and cool superconducting equipment.

"It was an enormous balloon filled with helium, that elemental gas forged from hydrogen in the nuclear furnace of the stars." — Ian McEwan, Enduring Love (1997)

"Breathing in helium temporarily makes your voice sound squeaky."

"MRI machines rely on liquid helium to keep their magnets cold."

How to use helium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe light gas that makes party balloons float and, if you inhale it, makes your voice go high-pitched.

Common mistake

Inhaling helium to change your voice is genuinely dangerous in more than tiny amounts — it displaces oxygen.

Common pairings

helium balloon liquid helium helium tank

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: heliums

Test yourself on “helium” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Breathing in _____ temporarily makes your voice sound squeaky.

Etymology

From Greek helios ("sun"), because the element was first detected in sunlight before it was found on Earth.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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He E939 when used as a packaging gas

Related words

he my his they your her she our

Rhymes for helium

curium osmium cerium erbium sodium cadmium caesium fermium gallium niobium thulium yttrium

See all rhymes for 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.

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