How is a semiconductor defined in the context of electronics?

A semiconductor is defined as a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. This unique property allows semiconductors to be used in a variety of electronic applications, particularly in the design of integrated circuits and other electronic components. Semiconductors can conduct electricity under certain conditions, such as the introduction of impurities (doping) or when exposed to light or heat. This variable conductivity makes them essential for controlling electrical current in devices, leading to their use in diodes, transistors, and solar cells.

Understanding the nature of semiconductors is crucial because it differs fundamentally from conductors, which allow for the free flow of electricity, and insulators, which impede electrical current. This intermediary behavior is what makes semiconductors so versatile in electronics, as they can be turned on and off, which is essential for binary computing and signal processing.