1. chemical elements that have properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals
Usage: chemistry; plural form

Examples

• Silicon and germanium are common metalloids used in electronics.
• Metalloids like boron and arsenic exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic characteristics.
• The periodic table shows metalloids positioned between metals and nonmetals.
• Antimony is one of the metalloids that can conduct electricity under certain conditions.
• Students learned that metalloids have intermediate electrical conductivity.
• The semiconductor industry relies heavily on metalloids such as silicon.