silicon carbide

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a very hard, insoluble, crystalline compound, SiC, used as an abrasive and as an electrical resistor in objects exposed to high temperatures.

silicon carbide

noun

1. an extremely hard bluish-black insoluble crystalline substance produced by heating carbon with sand at a high temperature and used as an abrasive and refractory material. Silicon carbide whiskers have a high tensile strength and are used in composites; very pure crystals are used as semiconductors. Formula: SiC

Word History and Origins

Origin of silicon carbide¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

An amorphous, soft silicon carbide, also formed in the electric furnace, was patented by B. Talbot in 1899.

From Project Gutenberg