hélium

helium

noun eh-lee-OM Rare

Origin: From Greek 'Helios' (the sun god), since helium was first detected in the solar spectrum.

Usage Note

Hélium is one of the rare French words where the 'h' is aspirate, so you say le hélium with a hiatus, not l'hélium. It is the second lightest element and is widely known in France for filling balloons (ballons à l'hélium) and for making voices squeak when inhaled — though the latter is medically discouraged.

Examples

"Les ballons étaient remplis d'hélium."

Natural Translation

The balloons were filled with helium.

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