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

Semiconductor manufacturing depends on its own set of specialty metals—including gallium, germanium, palladium, and silicon—whose supply chains are heavily concentrated outside Western control. — Anthony Milewski, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Meteorites often contain metals such as magnesium, silicon, and iron, and iron compounds were previously speculated to be absorbers. — Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026

The silicon SoC and the unified memory are both packaged directly onto the processor substrate, and even the internal SSD modules are locked from user replacement or end-user servicing without specialized diagnostic tools. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Ateios is also working to extend the process to silicon, sodium-ion, and lithium titanate oxide chemistries. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 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