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

Built with a nanoscale high-entropy silicon anode, a single cell of these polymer batteries showed strong thermal performance, passing the hot-box test with temperatures raised to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Yes, this is the same iMac all-in-one (AIO) design that debuted back in 2021 and was later updated with M4 silicon in 2024, this time with the new M6 processor and a few more internal component bumps to keep up with the Joneses. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

Hall-effect sensors rely on a current passing through a p-type slab of silicon. — Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Oct. 2026

Equally responsible for this Bentley’s milestone handling are the Supersports’ electronic limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering, suspension aided by a 48-volt active anti-roll bar, and enormous carbon-silicon-carbide brakes. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 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