selenium
UK[sɪˈliːniəm]US[sɪˈliːniəm]
n
A non-metallic chemical element (symbol Se) that exists in several forms and is used in electrical devices and as a pigment.
Etymology
The element selenium was discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius. He named it after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene (Σελήνη), drawing a direct analogy to the element tellurium, which had been named for the Earth (Tellus, from Latin). The choice reflected selenium's chemical similarity to tellurium, just as the moon was seen in relation to the earth. Thus, the name carries a poetic, mythological logic into the realm of scientific classification, embedding a celestial reference into the periodic table.
Analysis
The word 'selenium' is a simplex form derived as a whole from a proper name. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
Selenium is an essential trace element in the diet of many organisms.
The photoconductive properties of selenium made it crucial for early photocopiers and light meters.
High concentrations of selenium in soil can be toxic to plants and animals.