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siloxane

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

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 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.

Origin and Etymology of siloxane

silicon + oxygen + methane

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First Known Use: 1917

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