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. See siloxane
   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

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of silicone¹

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

Example Sentences

Its exterior is finished in durable silicone that enhances grip when taking it on the go, and the built-in microphone allows it to be used as a speakerphone that boasts a range of approximately 30 feet.

From Popular-Science

Like the other bibs listed here, this one is made from high-end, dishwasher safe silicone with four adjustable neck closures and a deep pocket to catch any dropped food.

From Popular-Science

These silicone watch bands make great gifts for any of your loved ones.

From Popular-Science

Place your smartphone in the silicone holder and the Zlagboard app senses when you weight the board to record reps, sets, and hang time.

From Outside Online

A few blocks later, its silicone tips started to ache inside my ears.

From Time

She veers towards the avant-garde, using metal-powder deformed silicone piercings as textural embellishment and digital printers.

From The Daily Beast

Just pop the silicone lips into your mouth and repeat vowel sounds, according to directions, for a “more youthful, vibrant” face.

From The Daily Beast

The ball sack is made of silicone, and we first did a balls bit in Jackass Number Two, and after that I kept the balls!

From The Daily Beast

“Sometimes little ripples will develop in the silicone which can lead to further surgeries,” says Garber.

From The Daily Beast

Silicone Pastry Mat:  Silicone is very not-sticky, which turns out to be very useful for making pastry.

From The Daily Beast

There is no sharp dividing line between the quartz armor and the silicone tissue.

From Project Gutenberg

In operation, a very special silicone oil would be pumped into the bearings under high pressure.

From Project Gutenberg

There's a silicone gum between the thin double layers, to seal possible meteor punctures.

From Project Gutenberg

Fewer, still, found puncturable areas and struck through silicone rubber and fine steelwire cloth into flesh.

From Project Gutenberg

In one week there were ten acres of desert covered with silicone-wool-felt in great strips.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coating