mica

noun

mi·​ca ˈmī-kə 

: any of various colored or transparent mineral silicates crystallizing in monoclinic forms that readily separate into very thin leaves

micaceous

mī-ˈkā-shəs 

adjective

Examples of mica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Titanium dioxide and iron oxides supply the pigment—though the former doesn’t make this a substitute for sunscreen—and light-reflecting mica keeps the finish from looking flat. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

Anna Johnson’s 2015 Betulina Brooch, meanwhile, combines an egret skull with rainbow moonstones, raw diamonds, mica, shelf mushrooms, and silver. — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

After about 30 minutes of searching, Smith spotted something glimmering in the East Drain section of the park — but initially mistook it for mica, a glittery and common mineral. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

On the east side, the dam was build atop an ancient landslide of mica schist, a type of rock vulnerable to fracturing that would allow moisture to seep inside. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, grain, crumb; perhaps akin to Greek mikros small

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mica

• micah
• pica
• spica
• formica

Kids Definition

mica

noun

mi·​ca ˈmī-kə 

: any of various minerals that contain silicon and can be separated easily into thin often transparent sheets

Medical Definition

mica

noun

mi·​ca ˈmī-kə 

: any of various colored or transparent mineral silicates crystallizing in monoclinic forms that readily separate into very thin leaves

micaceous

mī-ˈkā-shəs 

adjective