BharatNotes Semiconductor
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
As critical supply chains are weaponised in an era of strategic rivalry, India's push for semiconductor self-reliance under the India Semiconductor Mission is less an industrial policy than a question of technological sovereignty and national security.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
semiconducting (adj), semiconductivity (n), semiconductor (n), semi-conductor (n alt.)
Root
Latin sēmi- = half; condūcere = to lead together (con- = together + dūcere = to lead); -or = agent suffix
Etymology
From semi- (half, from Latin sēmi-) + conductor (from Latin condūcere, to lead together); earliest known use in the 1830s.
Memory Hook
SEMI ("half") + CONDUCTOR: it is only "half a conductor" - it conducts electricity partly, sitting on the fence between a metal wire (conductor) and rubber (insulator).
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2011 — Information Technology
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Semiconductor” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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