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

“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

"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)