mica

[ mahy-kuh ]

noun

1. any member of a group of minerals, hydrous silicates of aluminum with other bases, chiefly potassium, magnesium, iron, and lithium, that separate readily into thin, tough, often transparent, and usually elastic laminae; isinglass.

mica

/ maɪˈkeɪʃəs; ˈmaɪkə /

noun

1. any of a group of lustrous rock-forming minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminium, potassium, etc, in monoclinic crystalline form, occurring in igneous and metamorphic rock. Because of their resistance to electricity and heat they are used as dielectrics, in heating elements, etc

mica

/ mī′kə /

1. Any of a group of hydrous aluminosilicate minerals with the general formula (K,Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Li,Al) 2–3 (Al,Si) 4 O 10 (OH,F) 2 that can be split easily into thin, partly transparent sheets. Mica is common in igneous and metamorphic rocks and often occurs as flakes or sheets. It is highly resistant to heat and is used in electric fuses and other electrical equipment. Muscovite and biotite are types of mica

Derived Forms

• micaceous, adjective

Other Words From

• mica·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mica¹

First recorded in 1700–10, mica is from the Latin word mīca crumb, morsel, grain

Word History and Origins

Origin of mica¹

C18: from Latin: grain, morsel

Example Sentences

Among them Mica Mosbacher, who is now a regent at the University of Houston.

From The Daily Beast

But Mica also wisely created a provision that allowed airports to opt-out of the TSA and use private screeners instead.

From The Daily Beast

Gneiss is a similar mixture, but characterised by the predominance of mica, and by its banded structure.

From Project Gutenberg

A compound of quartz, mica, and felspar, having the appearance of re-composed granite.

From Project Gutenberg

Close-grained grey and yellowish-grey granite, with brown mica.

From Project Gutenberg

Yellowish-grey granite, with brown mica; "from the summit of the hill."

From Project Gutenberg

Slaty clay, with particles of mica, like that which frequently occurs immediately beneath beds of coal.

From Project Gutenberg