silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio) -kət How to pronounce silicate (audio)
: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid
especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s packed with a trio of powerful silicates and seaweed extract for that instant lift, while pro-vitamin B5 works to soften and hydrate over time. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024 Most of the evidence for these collisions comes from high levels of chondrites—meteoric ingredients made up of silicates, sulphides, iron-nickel, and more—in limestone that dates back to that period. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024 Part of the water present in this magma soup associates with the silicates and can one day end up in the surface oceans. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024 At the immense temperatures and pressures found in the nascent worlds, iron can bind roughly 70 times more water than silicates. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for silicate 

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicate was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near silicate

Cite this Entry

“Silicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

silicate

noun
sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio)
ˈsil-ə-kət
: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun
sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio) ˈsil-i-kət How to pronounce silicate (audio)
: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid
especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion and constitute the largest class of minerals

More from Merriam-Webster on silicate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!