silicone

[sil-i-kohn]

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of a number of polymers containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, as (–Si–O–Si–O–) n, whose properties are determined by the organic groups attached to the silicon atoms, and that are fluid, resinous, rubbery, extremely stable in high temperatures, and water-repellent: used as adhesives, lubricants, and hydraulic oils and in electrical insulation, cosmetics, etc.

silicone

/ ˈsɪlɪˌkəʊn /

noun

1. chem See also siloxane

   1. any of a large class of polymeric synthetic materials that usually have resistance to temperature, water, and chemicals, and good insulating and lubricating properties, making them suitable for wide use as oils, water-repellents, resins, etc. Chemically they have alternate silicon and oxygen atoms with the silicon atoms bound to organic groups

   2. ( as modifier )

      silicone rubber

silicone

1. Any of a class of chemical compounds consisting of long chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, with two organic radicals, typically a methyl (CH ₃) and a phenyl (C ₆ H ₅) group, attached to each silicon atom. Silicones are very stable and resist the effects of water, heat, and oxidizing agents. They are used to make adhesives, lubricants and synthetic rubber.

Word History and Origins

Origin of silicone¹

First recorded in 1905–10; silic(on) + -one

Example Sentences

The trend consists of people swaddled in silicone masks and mouth tape, filming themselves removing the skin care products they slept in the night before.

From BBC

In some scenes, Jo held a silicone dummy and in others, a robotic puppet.

From Salon

I have this silicone exfoliant pad that I will use to fully exfoliate my body.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a high-tech twist on the classic mason jar, using a silicone lid with a degassing valve and an AirGone Argon Gas Canister to flush out oxygen.

From Salon

They are made from soft, flexible silicone or rubber and, once correctly in place, can hold 20 to 30ml - around two tablespoons - of blood.

From BBC

Related Words

• coating