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silicon definition

sili·con (sil′i kän′, -kən)

noun

a nonmetallic chemical element occurring in several forms, found always in combination, and more abundant in nature than any other element except oxygen, with which it combines to form silica: used in the manufacture of transistors, solar cells, rectifiers, silicones, ceramics, etc.: symbol, Si; at. no., 14

Etymology: ModL: altered (1817, by T. Thomson (1773-1852), Scot chemist, modeled on boron, carbon, because of chemical resemblances) < silicium

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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