silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsi-li-kə 

: the dioxide of silicon SiO₂ occurring in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

Examples of silica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling very tiny crystalline particles of silicon dioxide, or silica, according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Silicon dioxide, commonly known as silicon or silica, is naturally found in foods and mineral water.1 It's also used in certain foods as an additive (with the code E551). —Merve Ceylan, Health, 2 Nov. 2024

Crystalline silica is small enough to travel through the bloodstream, causing kidney and autoimmune diseases too, according to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. —Karina Atkins, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

Alternating thin layers of gold and silica are deposited on top, filling the gaps between the beads before the beads are removed, leaving nanosized pyramid-like stacks of gold and silica meta-atoms. —New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin silic-, silex hard stone, flint

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silica

• silica gel
• vitreous silica

Kids Definition

silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə 

: a compound that consists of the dioxide of silicon and occurs in various forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand)

Medical Definition

silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə 

: the dioxide of silicon SiO₂ that is used as an ingredient of simethicone and that occurs naturally in crystalline, amorphous, and impure forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand respectively)

called also silicon dioxide