silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsi-li-kə 

: the dioxide of silicon SiO₂ occurring in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

Examples of silica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It's made with silica and jojoba beads for a gentler exfoliation and softer results. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

Waste products are mixed with silica and other materials and heated in underground tanks to form molten glass, which is then poured into containment vessels to become solid glass. —IEEE Spectrum, 1 Jan. 2025

Instead, a gel made from silica is applied and then dried onto the cookware’s metal body to create a nonstick surface. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024

The ash contains volatile organic compounds that can include benzene, silica, asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen fluoride. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin silic-, silex hard stone, flint

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silica

• silica gel
• vitreous silica

Kids Definition

silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə 

: a compound that consists of the dioxide of silicon and occurs in various forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand)

Medical Definition

silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə 

: the dioxide of silicon SiO₂ that is used as an ingredient of simethicone and that occurs naturally in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

called also silicon dioxide