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silicone

American  
[sil-i-kohn] / ˈsɪl ɪˌkoʊn /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. any of a number of polymers containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, as (–Si–O–Si–O–) n, whose properties are determined by the organic groups attached to the silicon atoms, and that are fluid, resinous, rubbery, extremely stable in high temperatures, and water-repellent: used as adhesives, lubricants, and hydraulic oils and in electrical insulation, cosmetics, etc.


silicone British  
/ ˈsɪlɪˌkəʊn /

noun

  1. chem See also siloxane

    1. any of a large class of polymeric synthetic materials that usually have resistance to temperature, water, and chemicals, and good insulating and lubricating properties, making them suitable for wide use as oils, water-repellents, resins, etc. Chemically they have alternate silicon and oxygen atoms with the silicon atoms bound to organic groups

    2. ( as modifier )

      silicone rubber

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

silicone Scientific  
/ sĭlĭ-kōn′ /
  1. Any of a class of chemical compounds consisting of long chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, with two organic radicals, typically a methyl (CH 3) and a phenyl (C 6 H 5) group, attached to each silicon atom. Silicones are very stable and resist the effects of water, heat, and oxidizing agents. They are used to make adhesives, lubricants and synthetic rubber.


Etymology

Origin of silicone

First recorded in 1905–10; silic(on) + -one

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Freeze in ice cube trays or silicone cupcake trays, bag, and label. You will never buy bouillon again.”

From Salon • May 30, 2026

But methylsiloxanes, a class of water-repelling silicone compounds often used as lubricants, have received far less attention.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

“They asked me, ‘Do you know anything about silicone?’

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

To reduce her own weight, Muriuki first underwent a gastric balloon procedure, in which a silicone balloon is put in the stomach, to limit its capacity and create a feeling of fullness.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

The mask was a silicone rubber North respirator mask with a Lexan faceplate, for good visibility, and the purple filters were the kind that stop a virus.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

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