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

Almost exclusively manufactured in China, the vapes are colorful and come in eye-catching metallic finishes, squishy silicone textures, and rounded shapes that fit comfortably in a person’s hand. —Louise Matsakis, WIRED, 25 June 2024

This super affordable set—which has been purchased 4,000 times in the past month, by the way—includes a 9.5-inch frying pan, an 11-inch 4.3-quart sauté pan with lid, a 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 4.7-quart casserole with lid, two silicone utensils, and four reusable pot protectors. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 25 June 2024

The brand offers the strap in soft, dreamy colorways like lilac and a dusky rose and intermixes the silicone material with feminine rose gold metal. —Irene Richardson, WWD, 24 June 2024

The handles are very comfortable, too, as they are coated in a soft, anti-slip silicone for easy operation. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 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