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 Glass and semiconductor chips are also made from silica sand. —

Justine Calma, The Verge, 5 Sep. 2023 Pros Great for sensitive skin Cons Avène's Thermal Spring Water uses a blend of minerals and silica to calm irritation while enhancing skin's moisture. —

Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 July 2023 One question before the county — and government regulators across the globe — is whether any safeguards will effectively protect workers grinding materials so high in silica. —

Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2023 Horsetail extract is rich in silica, a mineral that strengthens hair strands and promotes their elasticity. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023 The problem has only grown in recent years as miners dig through more layers of rock to get to less accessible coal, generating deadly silica dust in the process. —

Leah Willingham and Matthew Daly, Anchorage Daily News, 25 July 2023 Breathing in large amounts of silica dust can cause inflammation or scarring, also called fibrosis, in the lungs. —

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 25 July 2023 The nano silica doesn’t add a protective layer or replace a loss of oil. —

Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 19 July 2023 It can be brought on by exposure to certain toxins, including asbestos, coal dust or silica, the American Lung Association notes. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 25 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silica.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of silica was circa 1801

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Silica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silica. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

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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