silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsi-li-kə How to pronounce silica (audio)
: the dioxide of silicon SiO2 occurring in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

Examples of silica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That compares with natural counter top material like marble that’s predominantly calcium-based, which means the silica content is less than 5%, Gandhi said. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023 But compared to natural stone, these slabs often contain much higher levels of crystalline silica — as much as 95%. Anna Werner, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2024 Made from soda ash, limestone, silica, and other natural ingredients, these glass containers from Glasslock don’t contain any harmful materials, and the plastic lids are BPA-free. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2024 The new rules also ban some dangerous activities, such as sweeping dry dust that may contain silica. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023 Projects from a local chemical company have left hundreds sick or dead from silica poisoning and a gas leak. Colin Dickey, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2023 While some forms of silica can be dangerous if very fine particles are inhaled—sand is made from crystalline silica, so even finer than that—this doesn't apply to noncrystalline silica glass. Medea Giordano, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2024 Commercial silicon solar cells typically have a top protective layer made of silica glass, which transmits a significant amount of heat radiation at the frequencies needed to traverse the atmosphere. Sid Assawaworrarit, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2023 At the same time, assembly of 100 nanometer-thick layers combining the silica and minerals also occurred in cycles. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silica.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin silic-, silex hard stone, flint

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silica was circa 1801

Dictionary Entries Near silica

Cite this Entry

“Silica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silica. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

silica

noun
sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə How to pronounce silica (audio)
: a compound that consists of the dioxide of silicon and occurs in various forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand)

Medical Definition

silica

noun
sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə How to pronounce silica (audio)
: the dioxide of silicon SiO2 that is used as an ingredient of simethicone and that occurs naturally in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

called also silicon dioxide

More from Merriam-Webster on silica

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