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silicon

Syllabification: (sil·i·con)
Pronunciation: /ˈsiləˌkän, -kən/

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Definition of silicon

noun

  • the chemical element of atomic number 14, a nonmetal with semiconducting properties, used in making electronic circuits. Pure silicon exists in a shiny dark gray crystalline form and as an amorphous powder. (Symbol: Si)

Origin:

early 19th century: alteration of earlier silicium, from Latin silex, silic- 'flint', on the pattern of carbon and boron

Do not confuse silicon with silicone. Silicon is a chemical element used in electronic circuits and microchips, whereas silicone is the material used in cosmetic implants.

silicon in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of silicon in the British & World English dictionary

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