silica gel

noun

Chemistry.

1. a highly adsorbent gelatinous form of silica, used chiefly as a dehumidifying and dehydrating agent.

silica gel

noun

1. an amorphous form of silica capable of absorbing large quantities of water: used in drying gases and oils, as a carrier for catalysts and an anticaking agent for cosmetics

Word History and Origins

Origin of silica gel¹

First recorded in 1915–20