siloxane

noun si·lox·ane \ sə-ˈläk-ˌsān , sī- \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Definition of siloxane

: any of various compounds containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms in either a linear or cyclic arrangement usually with one or two organic groups attached to each silicon atom

Recent Examples of siloxane from the Web

The researchers noticed that siloxane levels were highest during the morning rush hour, most likely because that’s when people first left their homes after applying personal-care products in the morning.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "Your Beauty Products May Contribute to Rush-Hour Pollution Just As Much as Car Exhaust," 2 May 2018
What was surprising, though, was that levels of another compound—called D5 siloxane—were just as high.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "Your Beauty Products May Contribute to Rush-Hour Pollution Just As Much as Car Exhaust," 2 May 2018
The chemicals are siloxanes — their basic form is one atom of oxygen linked to two atoms of silicon — which form polymers, long chains of repeating units.

— gina kolata, New York Times, "‘Second Skin’ May Reduce Wrinkles, Eyebags, Scientists Say," 9 May 2016

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