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silicon
(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
Origin: ModL: altered (1817, by T. Thomson (1773-1852), Scot chemist, modeled on boron, carbon, because of chemical resemblances) < silicium
See silicon in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun Symbol Si
A nonmetallic element occurring extensively in the earth's crust in silica and silicates, having both an amorphous and a crystalline allotrope, and used doped or in combination with other materials in glass, semiconducting devices, concrete, brick, refractories, pottery, and silicones. Atomic number 14; atomic weight 28.086; melting point 1,410°C; boiling point 2,355°C; specific gravity 2.33; valence 4. See Table at element.
Origin:
Origin: From silica
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