mica

[ mahy-kuh ]

noun

1. any member of a group of minerals, hydrous silicates of aluminum with other bases, chiefly potassium, magnesium, iron, and lithium, that separate readily into thin, tough, often transparent, and usually elastic laminae; isinglass.

mica

/ maɪˈkeɪʃəs; ˈmaɪkə /

noun

1. any of a group of lustrous rock-forming minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminium, potassium, etc, in monoclinic crystalline form, occurring in igneous and metamorphic rock. Because of their resistance to electricity and heat they are used as dielectrics, in heating elements, etc

mica

/ mī′kə /

1. Any of a group of hydrous aluminosilicate minerals with the general formula (K,Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Li,Al) 2–3 (Al,Si) 4 O 10 (OH,F) 2 that can be split easily into thin, partly transparent sheets. Mica is common in igneous and metamorphic rocks and often occurs as flakes or sheets. It is highly resistant to heat and is used in electric fuses and other electrical equipment. Muscovite and biotite are types of mica

Derived Forms

• micaceous, adjective

Other Words From

• mica·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mica¹

First recorded in 1700–10, mica is from the Latin word mīca crumb, morsel, grain

Word History and Origins

Origin of mica¹

C18: from Latin: grain, morsel

Example Sentences

She and others now represent the 100% Redress party, born out of a building scandal in which many houses in counties Donegal, Mayo, Clare and Limerick are crumbling because the blocks they were built with contain high levels of the mineral mica.

From BBC

Mica absorbs water, causing walls to crack.

From BBC

Having seen spectacular photos by him and others, my wife, Mica, and I impatiently waited for the moon to reflect the sun’s light on the falls.

From Los Angeles Times

Having seen spectacular photos by him and others, my wife, Mica, and I impatiently waited for the moon to reflect the sun’s light on the falls.

From Los Angeles Times

Some show off their acting chops; others, like Mica Levi and Jon Batiste, contributed indelible music to the recognized films.

From New York Times