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 Yee found that the same proton pump also helps diatoms make their tough silica shell. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2023 On Whitehaven Beach, the pure white, silica sand, and emerald waters create a gorgeous palate of colors that is a feast for the senses. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2023 Buy Now on Sephora: $20 Hiki Anti-Sweat Powder Generously sprinkle some of this powder (corn starch, silica, kaolin) in your drawers for a tingly-fresh feeling—and one that prevents you from having to sit in your own swampy filth all day, in addition to preventing chafing. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 31 May 2023 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

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 28 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!