silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsi-li-kə 

: the dioxide of silicon SiO₂ occurring in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

Examples of silica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers’ new gel adds an innovative layer of protection — silica particles. —Tom Li, The Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2024

In 1971, Carl Sagan suggested vaporizing the northern polar ice caps, while Harvard researchers argued in 2017 that large amounts of silica aerogel could trap enough heat to regionally instigate greenhouse warming conditions. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Aug. 2024

In California, government regulators have stopped short of a ban, instead enacting tighter rules on silica exposure in the workplace. —Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2024

But the dust acts like a silica packet people receive in their packages and sucks out any moisture that might be in the atmosphere. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 24 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin silic-, silex hard stone, flint

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silica

• silica gel
• vitreous silica

Kids Definition

silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə 

: a compound that consists of the dioxide of silicon and occurs in various forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand)

Medical Definition

silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə 

: the dioxide of silicon SiO₂ that is used as an ingredient of simethicone and that occurs naturally in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

called also silicon dioxide