silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt  -kət 

: 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

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

Apophis is believed to be stony, made up of silicate (or rocky) materials and a mixture of metallic nickel and iron. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicate

• calcium silicate
• dicalcium silicate

Kids Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt 

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  ˈsil-i-kət 

: 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