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

Sales to hyperscale customers grew an impressive 115% YoY as capex spend shifts towards silicon from land and buildings in 2025. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 26 May 2026

Imec just demonstrated that silicon qubits can be easily scaled and do not require an evolution in quantum computing technology to be rolled out. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026

Quadruple patterning is a technique for etching lines on silicon wafers multiple times to increase transistor density — and therefore performance. —Bloomberg, Fortune, 25 May 2026

Its raw ingredients include silicon derived from sand, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

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