mica

noun

mi·​ca ˈmī-kə How to pronounce mica (audio)
: any of various colored or transparent mineral silicates crystallizing in monoclinic forms that readily separate into very thin leaves
micaceous adjective

Examples of mica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Infused with mica powder and shea butter for a look that’s both glowy and hydrating, the lotion can be used by itself or as a primer for your day-to-day makeup. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023 Adding the mica may have been initially intended to make the paper more durable, although there are no historical records to corroborate this. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 18 July 2023 In the twentieth century, Spruce Pine’s mica was mined to make windows for coal-burning stoves and insulation for vacuum tubes. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2023 Over the course of tens of millions of years, the molten rock cooled to form deposits of exceptionally pure mica and quartz, which were then pushed back up toward the surface. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2023 How many summers, which should be spaced apart in memory by winters, like mica planes by quartz, but aren’t? Caleb Crain, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2023 Light-reflecting mica helps minimize dullness and boost clarity, too. ELLE, 24 Aug. 2023 Others like to add mica, a mineral that adds color and shimmer, or actual glitter for a glistening effect. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 7 Aug. 2023 Dame Also found in the paper were crystals of muscovite, a common form of the mineral mica, whose glitter gave the bills the stamp of authenticity. IEEE Spectrum, 29 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mica.' 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, grain, crumb; perhaps akin to Greek mikros small

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mica was in 1777

Dictionary Entries Near mica

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

mica

noun
mi·​ca ˈmī-kə How to pronounce mica (audio)
: any of various minerals that contain silicon and can be separated easily into thin often transparent sheets

Medical Definition

mica

noun
mi·​ca ˈmī-kə How to pronounce mica (audio)
: any of various colored or transparent mineral silicates crystallizing in monoclinic forms that readily separate into very thin leaves
micaceous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mica

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