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Definition of silicon

silicon

/ˈsɪl.ɪ.kən/
sil · i · con
Plural:silicons
•
Adjective:silicic
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silicon Lexical Profile

silicon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A nonmetallic chemical element (atomic number 14, symbol Si) that is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust, occurring in silica and silicates and widely used in semiconductors, solar cells, glass, and ceramics.

Example

"Computer microchips are manufactured from thin wafers of highly purified silicon."

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'silicon' (the natural chemical element used to make computer microchips and solar cells) with 'silicone' (a synthetic rubber-like polymer containing silicon, used in sealants, cookware, and medical implants).

• Rhymes for silicon

• Nearby Words

silesia
silhouette
silica
silicon
silicone
silk
silk tree

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1817 by Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson from Latin 'silex' (flint, pebble), with the ending '-on' modeled on 'carbon' and 'boron' to indicate a nonmetallic chemical element.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Silicon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/silicon
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