silica gel
noun
: colloidal silica resembling coarse white sand in appearance but possessing many fine pores and therefore extremely adsorbent
Examples of silica gel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One key step involved swapping out the silica gel for a liquid desiccant—calcium chloride solution—which is pumped between dedicated absorber and desorber units.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2023
It is also known as silica sand, silica gel, or crystal cat litter.
—Lorraine Wilde, Treehugger, 23 Jan. 2023
Technically, silica gel packets are desiccants — the broader category of materials that suck up moisture.
—Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021
Water from moist air condenses onto the solid parts of silica gel.
—Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021
To cope with super humid environments, Sharma would put chocolate in airtight containers with silica gel bead packets, which suck up moisture.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2022
The temporary addition of a silica gel packet to the jar will remove any remaining moisture, but take it out after a couple of days to avoid overdrying.
—Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2022
First a Minie ball, which Ridgway’s team whisked away to dunk into silica gel to halt the oxidation process.
—Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2021
The palms of the gloves are attached with anti-skid silica gel to keep your hands on the handlebars.
—Chris Hachey, BGR, 15 June 2021
See More
IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2023
It is also known as silica sand, silica gel, or crystal cat litter.
—Lorraine Wilde, Treehugger, 23 Jan. 2023
Technically, silica gel packets are desiccants — the broader category of materials that suck up moisture.
—Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021
Water from moist air condenses onto the solid parts of silica gel.
—Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021
To cope with super humid environments, Sharma would put chocolate in airtight containers with silica gel bead packets, which suck up moisture.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2022
The temporary addition of a silica gel packet to the jar will remove any remaining moisture, but take it out after a couple of days to avoid overdrying.
—Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2022
First a Minie ball, which Ridgway’s team whisked away to dunk into silica gel to halt the oxidation process.
—Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2021
The palms of the gloves are attached with anti-skid silica gel to keep your hands on the handlebars.
—Chris Hachey, BGR, 15 June 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silica gel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1919, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near silica gel
Cite this Entry
“Silica gel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silica%20gel. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
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Medical Definition
silica gel
noun
: colloidal silica resembling coarse white sand in appearance but possessing many fine pores and therefore extremely adsorbent
More from Merriam-Webster on silica gel
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silica gel
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