silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsi-li-kən  ˈsi-lə-ˌkän 

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element with atomic number 14 that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in semiconductors, in ferrosilicon for steelmaking, and in other alloys

—often used before another noun

silicon chips

silicon carbide

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of silicon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the study, the researchers combined two perovskite layers with a silicon base to maximize spectral coverage. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025

Thanks to a robust loadout of cutting-edge silicon, including an Nvidia 50-series graphics card and speedy 24-core Intel processor, the laptop delivers desktop-grade performance on all of today's top titles. —PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025

Intel was cofounded in 1968 by two legends of the silicon industry, Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce, and an investor named Arthur Rock. —Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

The watchmaker’s award-winning flying tourbillon caliber UN-176 (visible at 6 o’clock) also showcases silicon, with the anchor, escapement, and balance spring all crafted from the versatile material. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin silica + English -on (as in carbon)

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicon

• silicon carbide
• silicon dioxide
• silicon nitride

Kids Definition

silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsil-i-kən 

ˈsil-ə-ˌkän

: a nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element after oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys and electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsil-i-kən  ˈsil-ə-ˌkän 

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys

—symbol Si see Chemical Elements Table