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

“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

The first steps for making this particular semiconductor, known as a silicon carbide chip, happen in a factory in New Hampshire.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2024

The team found that when it was made properly, the epitaxial graphene chemically bonded to the silicon carbide and started to show semiconducting properties.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 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)