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

Pure silicon looks reflective and silver, like a seventies disco ball. —Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026

The bigger batteries are due to silicon-carbon cells, which use silicon to replace some of the graphite in a lithium battery’s anode. —Dominic Preston, The Verge, 25 Apr. 2026

Srouji made an enormous contribution by growing Apple's silicon capabilities over the past 18 years. —Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026

The move also reflects rising demand for custom silicon that can reduce cost and energy use while delivering performance at hyperscale. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026

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