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: 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
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
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin silic-, silex hard stone, flint
First Known Use
circa 1801, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing silica
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
: a compound that consists of the dioxide of silicon and occurs in various forms (as in quartz, opal, and sand)
More from Merriam-Webster on silica
Nglish: Translation of silica for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silica
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