silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsi-li-kən  ˈsi-lə-ˌkän 

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element with atomic number 14 that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in semiconductors, in ferrosilicon for steelmaking, and in other alloys

—often used before another noun

silicon chips

silicon carbide

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of silicon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Broadcom’s silicon business is built around developing custom chips with companies such as OpenAI and Google. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Amprius develops lithium-ion batteries using silicon-anode technology. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

The observations revealed gas containing oxygen, carbon, silicon and other metals flowing from these early galaxies into intergalactic space. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Simply let the meat brown first and start to break it up with a wooden or silicon spoon, then switch to the masher and put some elbow grease into it. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin silica + English -on (as in carbon)

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicon

• silicon carbide
• silicon dioxide
• silicon nitride

Kids Definition

silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsil-i-kən 

ˈsil-ə-ˌkän

: a nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element after oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys and electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsil-i-kən  ˈsil-ə-ˌkän 

: 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