What does helium mean?
Helium is a chemical element and noble gas with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is the second element in the periodic table and the lightest of all elements. Because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and very low in density, helium is widely used to make balloons float, although it is often mistakenly thought to produce the familiar high-pitched voice effect associated with breathing it. Helium is also used in scientific research, cryogenics, leak detection, welding, and cooling high-field magnets. Its extremely low boiling point allows it to exist as a liquid at temperatures near absolute zero. Naturally occurring helium is found in limited quantities in the atmosphere but accumulates underground in natural gas fields, from which much commercial helium is extracted. The element was named from the Greek hēlios, meaning “sun,” because it was first detected through its distinctive spectral lines in sunlight.
nounHelium is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, extremely low-density chemical element and noble gas, with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It occurs naturally in small amounts in the atmosphere and is extracted industrially from underground reserves.
- The chemical element helium, especially the gas used in balloons, refrigeration, welding, and scientific applications.
"The balloon shop filled the party decorations with helium."
"The balloon rose slowly as it filled with helium."
"The observatory used liquid helium to cool its instruments to extremely low temperatures."
Rare; helium is normally used as a mass noun or modifier, as in “helium gas.”
"The laboratory analyzed two heliums with distinct isotopic signatures."
Helium gets its name from the Greek word for the Sun, because it was first identified in the Sun's spectrum.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does helium come from?
The name helium comes from Greek hēlios, meaning “sun,” through the New Latin term helium. It was coined in the late nineteenth century after distinctive lines associated with the element were observed in the solar spectrum. The element was later identified in gases extracted from terrestrial sources, confirming that the solar discovery was not unique to the Sun.
How helium is actually used
Helium is standard in scientific, industrial, and educational contexts. In everyday speech, it often refers specifically to the gas used in balloons or to the altered sound of a voice after inhaling it.
Easily confused with helium
Helium is a chemical element and gas, whereas a helmet is a protective covering worn on the head.