mica

American  

[mahy-kuh] / ˈmaɪ kə /

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.

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mica British  

/ 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

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mica Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• micaceous adjective
• micalike adjective

Etymology

Origin of mica

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

Example Sentences

Black Barn Apiary’s Luxe Gold Honey is infused with edible gold mica and made on 20 acres of restored native prairie land in Wisconsin.

From Salon

In November 2021, the Irish government introduced what it said was a significant number of improvements to a previous scheme for mica homeowners.

From BBC

The first, in 1967, had a concrete or cement Venus purchased at a garden center covered with mica to create a glittery surface.

From Seattle Times

A tall hat of fetal lamb balanced like a wasp’s nest on Grigori’s head, shadowing eyes as hard and gray as mica, with the same shallow gleam.

From Literature

Several of the homes on the way to the quarries were built from huge blocks of granite, containing quartz, feldspar, and mica, all visible to the naked eye, as Fred once showed me.

From Literature