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

Instead of relying only on making individual chips smaller, manufacturers can combine different types of silicon and components in a single package. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026

This dual role distinguishes Intel from its rival data center CPU designers, especially Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia, and the tech giants with custom silicon, such as Amazon and Alphabet 's Google. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 23 July 2026

These, in turn, mean a silicon-carbon battery can recharge at a faster rate when compared with a similar-sized lithium-ion battery. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026

The Korean company is also using a silicon-carbon anode battery for the first time. — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 22 July 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