siloxane

noun

si·​lox·​ane sə-ˈläk-ˌsān How to pronounce siloxane (audio)
sī-
: 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

Examples of siloxane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In this recent work, her lab generated an enzyme that can biodegrade volatile methyl siloxanes. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2024 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, 2 May 2018 What was surprising, though, was that levels of another compound—called D5 siloxane—were just as high. Amanda MacMillan, Health.com, 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, 9 May 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'siloxane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

silicon + oxygen + methane

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of siloxane was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near siloxane

Cite this Entry

“Siloxane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/siloxane. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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