silica gel

American  

noun

Chemistry.

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

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silica gel British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of silica gel

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

First, the crude diterpene extract was separated into 19 fractions using silica gel chromatography.

From Science Daily

The best option is silica gel, a drying agent that can absorb lots of moisture.

From Seattle Times

Researchers have made their own silica gel, а staple in chromatography machines, which separate chemical compounds from mixtures.

From Science Magazine

The samples are forced through a column of silica gel, which traps the unwanted chemicals and leaves the alkanes they want to measure.

From Science Daily

Yes, I did forget to remove the silica gel packet from the new and improved case.

From The Verge