silica

[ sil-i-kuh ]

noun

1. the dioxide form of silicon, SiO 2 , occurring especially as quartz sand, flint, and agate: used usually in the form of its prepared white powder chiefly in the manufacture of glass, water glass, ceramics, and abrasives.

silica

/ ˈsɪlɪkə /

noun

1. the dioxide of silicon, occurring naturally as quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite. It is a refractory insoluble material used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and abrasives
2. short for silica glass

silica

/ sĭl′ĭ-kə /

1. A chemical compound that is the main constituent of most of the Earth's rocks. Silica occurs naturally in five crystalline forms (quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, coesite, and stishovite), in a cryptocrystalline form (chalcedony), and in an amorphous form (opal). It is also the main chemical compound in sand. Silica is used to make glass, concrete, and other materials. Also called silicon dioxide. Chemical formula: SiO 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of silica¹

1795–1805; < New Latin, derivative of Latin silex silex

Word History and Origins

Origin of silica¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin: silex

Example Sentences

The Health and Safety Executive has described silica dust found in stone as the "single biggest risk to construction workers" after the notoriously toxic asbestos.

From BBC

But amid legal battles and calls to ban engineered stone, some companies have also begun offering newer products that are lower in crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times

Reyes Gonzalez is among scores of California countertop cutters who have sued companies like Caesarstone and Cambria after falling ill with silicosis, which is caused by inhaling tiny particles of crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the risks posed by cutting and grinding the material, “there is uncontrolled access in California to materials that contain silica,” said Jim Hieb, chief executive of the Natural Stone Institute, an industry group.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers tested a range of slags, made from demolition waste and added lime, alumina and silica.

From Science Daily