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

While these three categories dominate discussions, other materials, such as rare earth elements, silicates for construction, and regolith for in-space manufacturing, could also play a supporting role in building sustainable off-Earth infrastructure. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025

This helps reveal whether the same basic ingredients—such as water, carbon compounds, and silicates—exist in distant star systems or if 3I/ATLAS contains unfamiliar materials that hint at a different cosmic environment. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025

Instead, the study found that SIMP-0136's clouds, made of sand-like grains of hot silicates, are remarkably stable. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025

All of the pods incorporated that sinister silicate asbestos. —Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2025

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