silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt  -kət 

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid

especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The slag contained high concentrations of heavy metals and silicate material that, like tiny particles of glass, could be inhaled and irritate the lungs. —Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026

Granite is a natural stone composed primarily of silicates, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. —Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026

The team found that adding phosphorus to sodium-yttrium-silicate glasses can help develop next-generation sodium-ion batteries. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

Asbestos is a mined fibrous silicate that was widely used in home insulation, automobiles and other applications through the 1970s until its use was slowly phased out as its health impacts became widely known. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicate

• calcium silicate
• dicalcium silicate

Kids Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt 

ˈsil-ə-kət

: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt  ˈsil-i-kət 

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid

especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion and constitute the largest class of minerals