helium

Definition

Helium is a gas that is lighter than air. It is often used to fill balloons because it makes them float. Helium is also used in cryogenics, which is the study of very cold temperatures.

How can the word be used?

Helium is used in balloons.

Different forms of the word

Noun: helium.

Adjective: helium.

Adverb: heliumically.

Verb: heliumize.

Etymology

The word "helium" comes from the Greek word "helios", which means "sun". It was first used in 1868 by the English astronomer Norman Lockyer. Lockyer was studying the spectrum of the sun when he discovered a new line that he could not identify with any known element. He named the element helium after the Greek word for sun.

Question

What is helium?