siloxane

noun

si·​lox·​ane sə-ˈläk-ˌsān How to pronounce siloxane (audio)
sī-
: any of various compounds containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms in either a linear or cyclic arrangement usually with one or two organic groups attached to each silicon atom

Examples of siloxane 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.
In this recent work, her lab generated an enzyme that can biodegrade volatile methyl siloxanes. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2024 The researchers noticed that siloxane levels were highest during the morning rush hour, most likely because that’s when people first left their homes after applying personal-care products in the morning. Amanda MacMillan, Health.com, 2 May 2018 What was surprising, though, was that levels of another compound—called D5 siloxane—were just as high. Amanda MacMillan, Health.com, 2 May 2018 The chemicals are siloxanes — their basic form is one atom of oxygen linked to two atoms of silicon — which form polymers, long chains of repeating units. Gina Kolata, New York Times, 9 May 2016

Word History

Etymology

silicon + oxygen + methane

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of siloxane was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near siloxane

Cite this Entry

“Siloxane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/siloxane. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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