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

The underlying inputs—electricity, water, advanced silicon—don't follow software's cost curve. — Abe Ankumah, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

ChatGPT grew up on Nvidia chips and still relies on them, while also broadening its compute portfolio to include other types of silicon. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 June 2026

The movement is now antimagnetic, allowing for gold to be used on the watch’s hands, and its accuracy has been enhanced with a balance-spring and a silicon pallet-lever. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 June 2026

This is an absolute dream machine, packed to the gills with high-octane silicon that will dominate any modern game at maximum settings. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 June 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