silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants, varnishes, binders, and electric insulators

Examples of silicone in a Sentence

a prosthesis made of silicone

Recent Examples on the Web

These materials are intended to squish—thermoplastic rubber and silicone are designed to be soft and pliable but bounce back to their original shape. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026

After all, every home baker needs a reliable rolling pin to whip up a batch of cookies, silicone spatulas to mix brownie batter, and, of course, cooling racks to let your delightful creations reach a safe tasting temperature. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

This pick from Justrvn is made of soft-touch silicone and delivers on blocking out unwanted noise. — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

These may be rubber or silicone, with the latter generally being the most comfortable and least likely to cause skin irritation. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

silicon + -one

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicone

• silicone rubber

Rhymes for silicone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various silicon compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen, are obtained as oily or greasy substances or plastics, and are used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants and varnishes

Medical Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds which are obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and some of which have been used as surgical implants