Simple Definition of silica

from our Learner's Dictionary

silica

noun

ˈsɪlɪkə How to pronounce silica (audio)
: a chemical that contains silicon, that is found in sand and quartz, and that is used to make glass

Cite this Entry

“Silica.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/silica. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on silica

Nglish: Translation of silica for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silica

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of cavalcade

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times

Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny-Sounding Words

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
boy-thinking-light-bulb
Quiz: Are You An Idiom Expert? Figure out what these figures of speech actually ...
See All