silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt  -kət 

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid

especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The older visible-light observations were consistent with a mixture of ice and silicates, but once the JWST data points are added, no combination of materials and grain sizes could explain what the telescope has seen. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2026

Preservation experts have warned that applying a mineral silicate coating to the building’s historic granite would require damaging preparation, weaken the stone and result in ongoing maintenance costs, according to the statement. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

These minerals include aluminium oxide, iron, magnesium silicate, manganese sulfide, potassium chloride, sodium sulfide and zinc sulfide. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 July 2026

On Earth, clouds are made of water, and on Jupiter, they're made of ammonia, while much hotter worlds can have clouds of silicates. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicate

• calcium silicate
• dicalcium silicate

Kids Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt 

ˈsil-ə-kət

: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt  ˈsil-i-kət 

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid

especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion and constitute the largest class of minerals