helium
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.”
How to use helium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe light gas that makes party balloons float and, if you inhale it, makes your voice go high-pitched.
Inhaling helium to change your voice is genuinely dangerous in more than tiny amounts — it displaces oxygen.
Word forms
heliums plural
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.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for helium
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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