silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsi-li-kən  ˈsi-lə-ˌkän 

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element with atomic number 14 that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in semiconductors, in ferrosilicon for steelmaking, and in other alloys

—often used before another noun

silicon chips

silicon carbide

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of silicon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This limited edition of just 18 pieces offers an ultra-lightweight construction from the titanium case and bezel to the silicon balance wheel and oscillator. —Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

On February 24th, Apple announced that, over the next four years, the company will invest $500 billion into U.S. advanced manufacturing and high-tech initiatives such as artificial intelligence and silicon engineering. —Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

The tech giant anticipates creating 20,000 new jobs, aiming to bolster America's leadership in cutting-edge sectors such as AI and silicon engineering. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

The 20,000 new jobs will mostly focus on research and development, silicon engineering, AI and machine learning, the Cupertino, Calif., company said. —Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin silica + English -on (as in carbon)

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicon

• silicon carbide
• silicon dioxide
• silicon nitride

Kids Definition

silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsil-i-kən 

ˈsil-ə-ˌkän

: a nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element after oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys and electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

silicon

noun

sil·​i·​con ˈsil-i-kən  ˈsil-ə-ˌkän 

: a tetravalent nonmetallic element that occurs combined as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth's crust and is used especially in alloys

—symbol Si see Chemical Elements Table