silicone

American  

[sil-i-kohn] / ˈsɪl ɪˌkoʊn /

noun

Chemistry.

• silicones
  plural

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.

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silicone British  

/ 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

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silicone Scientific  

/ sĭl′ĭ-kōn′ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• silicones
  plural

Etymology

Origin of silicone

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

silicone silicones

These include PFAS—or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—to repel water and stains, formaldehyde-releasing resins to resist wrinkles, biocides to control odor, silicone softeners and dyes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

His research will examine reaction pathways and rates associated with silicate dissolution, repolymerization, carbonation, glass formation, and silicone synthesis.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026

Another reader stores leftovers and produce in Mason jars or reusable silicone bags instead of disposable zip-top bags.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

Inspired by her family’s produce, she cast real corn, strawberries and cherries in plaster, then made a silicone mold to create copies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

He secured the pea-sized transmitter with a dab of silicone.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

For the first time, scientists have engineered an enzyme that can break stubborn human-made bonds between silicon and carbon that exist in widely used chemicals known as siloxanes, or silicones.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 25, 2024

Meanwhile, MGS features widely in consumer goods, including aluminum alloys used in car manufacturing as well as silicones that go into cosmetics, sealants and batteries.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 24, 2021

The general consensus is that while any product can be marked “clean,” a true clean product avoids the use of ingredients like parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

From Slate ● Feb. 5, 2019

Rule No. 1: Avoid smoothing silicones, often found in styling products, which “attach to the hair in a way that can cause extreme buildup,” cautions Twine.

From New York Times ● Jul. 3, 2018

She learned, from women who posted long instructions, to avoid shampoos with silicones, to use a leave-in conditioner on wet hair, to sleep in a satin scarf.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• coating