: 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
Plus, it's made of moisturizing glycerin, strengthening silica, and conditioning castor oil, so your hair is shiny and clean for days.
—
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 2025
But while Greenland does boast 18% of the world’s total rare earth reserves, accessing them is extremely problematic, owing to freezing temperatures and a thick layer of silica.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 June 2025
To properly preserve the beauty of each flower, try to have the silica touch as much as possible, including between petals.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
His toolbox includes a range of materials—such as marine epoxies, fumed silica and elastomeric caulking—meant to restore structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
—Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for silica
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.
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 2025
But while Greenland does boast 18% of the world’s total rare earth reserves, accessing them is extremely problematic, owing to freezing temperatures and a thick layer of silica.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 June 2025
To properly preserve the beauty of each flower, try to have the silica touch as much as possible, including between petals.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
His toolbox includes a range of materials—such as marine epoxies, fumed silica and elastomeric caulking—meant to restore structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
—Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for silica
Cite this Entry
“Silica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silica. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share