Main Entry: sil·i·cate

Pronunciation: \ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt, -kət\

Function: noun

Etymology: silicic (acid)

Date: 1811

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid; especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (as cement, bricks, and glass)