silicon carbide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a very hard, insoluble, crystalline compound, SiC, used as an abrasive and as an electrical resistor in objects exposed to high temperatures.

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silicon carbide British  

noun

1. an extremely hard bluish-black insoluble crystalline substance produced by heating carbon with sand at a high temperature and used as an abrasive and refractory material. Silicon carbide whiskers have a high tensile strength and are used in composites; very pure crystals are used as semiconductors. Formula: SiC

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Etymology

Origin of silicon carbide

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

silicon carbide

We’re looking at new materials, like gallium nitride and silicon carbide, to drive new energy density and energy efficiency.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2025

Meta told the Verge that they costs about $10,000 per pair to make because the lenses for the current prototypes are made with pricy silicon carbide.

From Slate ● Sep. 26, 2024

The CEO did not speculate about the outcome of the election, but he said technologies such as silicon carbide represent “a monumental change in the history of semiconductors” that is helping to remake the economy.

From Seattle Times ● May 26, 2024

"We then vapor-deposited indium atoms, which are immersed between the protective graphene layer and the silicon carbide substrate. This is how the protective layer for our two-dimensional quantum material indenene was formed."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 1, 2024

Carborundum is a crystalline silicon carbide formed in the electric furnace.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)