gallium
UK[ˈɡæliəm]US[ˈɡæliəm]
n
a soft, silvery metallic chemical element (symbol Ga) that melts at a low temperature and is used in semiconductors and alloys.
Morpheme Breakdown
gall
ium
gall
sense
ium
sense
Etymology
the element gallium was discovered in 1875 by french chemist paul-émile lecoq de boisbaudran. he named it after his homeland, gallia, the latin name for france, following the tradition of naming elements after places. the suffix '-ium' is a standard latin-derived ending used to denote metallic elements, as seen in sodium, potassium, and magnesium. thus, the name literally means 'the metal from france', commemorating its discovery location.
Analysis
Structure: gall (sense) + ium (sense)
gall (from latin gallia, meaning 'gaul/france'); ium (a latin suffix used to form names of metallic elements).
Examples
gallium is used in the production of high-speed semiconductors.
because of its low melting point, gallium can melt in your hand.
gallium arsenide is a crucial material for making integrated circuits and leds.