silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants, varnishes, binders, and electric insulators

Examples of silicone in a Sentence

a prosthesis made of silicone

Recent Examples on the Web

So many trivets aren’t cute at all, but these silicone options add a little class and style to and otherwise boring kitchen necessity. Find it on Amazon Bento Boxes for Grown Ups There are no rules, y’all! —Savannah Smith, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024

This dish came in a silicone vessel even more innovative than the fake eyeball: a replica of a man’s bald, pallid head, severed just below the eyebrows. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024

Apple's silicone cases feel great in hand, nice and soft, with a microfiber lining. —Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024

Styled in light blue and white, mirroring the ocean and the sky, guest rooms have wallpaper that mimics the texture of palm trees, and silicone coral of differing shapes and sizes is placed in the rooms and around the resort. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

silicon + -one

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicone

• silicone rubber

Kids Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various silicon compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen, are obtained as oily or greasy substances or plastics, and are used especially for water-resistant and heat-resistant lubricants and varnishes

Medical Definition

silicone

noun

sil·​i·​cone ˈsil-ə-ˌkōn 

: any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds which are obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and some of which have been used as surgical implants