silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants, varnishes, binders, and electric insulators

Examples of silicone in a Sentence

a prosthesis made of silicone

Recent Examples on the Web

With two silicone cheek plumpers glued to his face and a Cuban Missile Crisis speech memorized, the actor left many impressed. —Cristina Everett, EW.com, 11 June 2024

The Japanese gear maker Snow Peak has a titanium cup and pot set with thoughtful details: The two items nestle together to save space in a backpack, and the pot’s lid has a silicone tab that won’t get hot, eliminating the need for an oven mitt. —Ella Riley-Adams Jamie Sims Alice Newell-Hanson Jameson Montgomery Jameson Montgomery Caitie Kelly MacKenzie Oster, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Use the stainless steel tongs with scalloped heat-resistant silicone tips to do everything from tossing pasta salad to turning veggies on a hot skillet. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024

This glass bottle comes with a protective silicone sleeve and a leak-proof lid. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

silicon + -one

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicone

• silicone rubber

Kids Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various silicon compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen, are obtained as oily or greasy substances or plastics, and are used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants and varnishes

Medical Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds which are obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and some of which have been used as surgical implants