silicon

noun

sil·i·con | \ ˈsi-li-kən

, ˈsi-lə-ˌkän \

Definition of silicon

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in ferrosilicon for steelmaking, in other alloys, and in semiconductors — see Chemical Elements Table

Example Sentences Phrases Containing silicon Learn More About silicon

Examples of silicon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lithography uses light to imprint patterns onto silicon wafers, patterns that ultimately form the tiny circuitry inside microchips. — oregonlive, 11 May 2022 The company, based in Bristol, England, unveiled a new A.I. chip, called Bow, that is built vertically, stacking two silicon wafers on top of one another. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2022 Hydrofluoric acid is used to etch and clean silicon wafers. — Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2022 Tesla’s accelerated move away from standard silicon wafer usage during the pandemic is particularly impressive and their innovation has inspired other companies to follow suit. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2021 Demand for semiconductors was already climbing before the pandemic, as silicon chips are now stuffed into an increasingly dizzying array of products: toys, light bulbs, industrial machines. — Matt Simon, Wired, 15 Mar. 2022 Those operations have been disrupted by the global shortage in silicon chips that has forced many manufacturers to cut production. — Michael E. Kanell, ajc, 25 Jan. 2022 The printing press, the steam engine, antibiotics, the automobile, the vacuum tube, silicon chips, electricity, the birth-control pill, anesthesia, the refrigerator. — Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2022 These new models will use a common platform and share new battery technologies that the two companies are exploring, such as solid-state batteries and materials such as lithium-metal and silicon. — Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 5 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'silicon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near silicon

silicomanganese

silicon

silicon bronze

Statistics for silicon

Last Updated

21 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Silicon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicon. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for silicon

silicon

noun

sil·i·con | \ ˈsi-li-kən

, ˈsi-lə-ˌkän \

Kids Definition of silicon

: a chemical element that next to oxygen is the most common element in the earth's crust and is used especially in electronic devices

silicon

noun

sil·i·con | \ ˈsil-i-kən

, ˈsil-ə-ˌkän

Medical Definition of silicon

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys —symbol Si — see Chemical Elements Table