silica

noun

sil·​i·​ca ˈsi-li-kə How to pronounce silica (audio)
: 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
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.
The ash contains volatile organic compounds that can include benzene, silica, asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen fluoride. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach are rendered even more dramatic against the bone-white sand, which is more than 98 percent silica, or eroded quartz. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 13 Jan. 2025 For example, the magma nearest the surface of the Yellowstone Caldera contains a lot of silica, which lends the molten rocks a sticky, viscous, and slow-moving quality. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 Researchers examining the turtles’ digestive tracts would be wise to take care not to slice their hands on shards of the mineral silica that form the skeletons of sea sponges, a mainstay of the hawksbills’ diet. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for silica 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silica was circa 1801

Dictionary Entries Near silica

Cite this Entry

“Silica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silica. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

silica

noun
sil·​i·​ca ˈsil-i-kə How to pronounce silica (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce silica (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on silica

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