silicone

American  

[sil-i-kohn] / ˈsɪl ɪˌkoʊn /

noun

Chemistry.

silicones plural

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.

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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

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silicone Scientific  

/ sĭl′ĭ-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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• silicones
  plural

Etymology

Origin of silicone

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

Example Sentences

Silicone molecules in the same mixture attach themselves to the surface of those tiny threads.

From Science Daily • Dec. 13, 2025

Silicone butt injections continue to grow in popularity in the U.S. despite the fact that the Food and Drug Administration warns that injectable silicone for body contouring is not FDA-approved and comes with serious dangers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

Silicone caulk is moisture resistant, making it an ideal choice for windows.

From Washington Post • Jun. 30, 2022

Silicone straps are functional for workouts but a lil chintzy for formal occasions.

From The Verge • Jun. 16, 2022

Lego Collection x Target Silicone Coaster Set: Stacked in a wooden holder, this set includes four square coasters embossed with Lego studs in yellow, pink, orange and red.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2021

Related Words

• coating