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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of silicon carbide

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

silicon carbide

The Wolfspeed-Liteon partnership also reinforces AI-driven silicon carbide adoption, benefiting Malaysian power-management players such as Malaysian Pacific Industries, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

"By using the unique carrier dynamics in silicon carbide, we can create circuits that are thousands of times more energy-efficient than conventional electronics, significantly reducing the thermal load on cryogenic systems."

From Science Daily ● Jun. 12, 2026

“In addition, the company believes that it maintains ample liquidity to continue supplying customers with leading silicon carbide solutions,” Wolfspeed said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 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

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

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