silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt  -kət 

: 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 (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the study found that SIMP-0136's clouds, made of sand-like grains of hot silicates, are remarkably stable. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025

The process uses heat to convert common minerals such as slow-weathering silicates into materials that permanently sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

All of the pods incorporated that sinister silicate asbestos. —Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2025

These include crystalline silicates like quartz, as well as glimmering metals such as iron and nickel. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicate

• calcium silicate
• dicalcium silicate

Kids Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt 

ˈsil-ə-kət

: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt  ˈsil-i-kət 

: 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 and constitute the largest class of minerals