silica

[ sil-i-kuh ]
/ ˈsɪl ɪ kə /

noun

the dioxide form of silicon, SiO2, occurring especially as quartz sand, flint, and agate: used usually in the form of its prepared white powder chiefly in the manufacture of glass, water glass, ceramics, and abrasives.

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Also called silicon dioxide.

Origin of silica

1795–1805; < New Latin, derivative of Latin silex silex

Words nearby silica

silenus, silesia, silesian, silex, silhouette, silica, silica gel, silica glass, silicate, silicates, silicatosis

Definition for silicon dioxide (2 of 2)

silicon dioxide

noun Chemistry.

silica.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for silicon dioxide

silica
/ (ˈsɪlɪkə) /

noun

the dioxide of silicon, occurring naturally as quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite. It is a refractory insoluble material used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and abrasives
short for silica glass

Word Origin for silica

C19: New Latin, from Latin: silex
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for silicon dioxide (1 of 2)

silica
[ sĭl′ĭ-kə ]

n.

A crystalline compound occurring abundantly as quartz, sand, and many other minerals and used to manufacture a variety of materials, especially glass and concrete.

Medical definitions for silicon dioxide (2 of 2)

silicon dioxide

n.

Silica.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for silicon dioxide (1 of 2)

silica
[ sĭl′ĭ-kə ]

A chemical compound that is the main constituent of most of the Earth's rocks. Silica occurs naturally in five crystalline forms (quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, coesite, and stishovite), in a cryptocrystalline form (chalcedony), and in an amorphous form (opal). It is also the main chemical compound in sand. Silica is used to make glass, concrete, and other materials. Also called silicon dioxide. Chemical formula: SiO2.

Scientific definitions for silicon dioxide (2 of 2)

silicon dioxide

See silica.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.