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

The first, in 1967, had a concrete or cement Venus purchased at a garden center covered with mica to create a glittery surface.

From Seattle Times

A tall hat of fetal lamb balanced like a wasp’s nest on Grigori’s head, shadowing eyes as hard and gray as mica, with the same shallow gleam.

From Literature

Several of the homes on the way to the quarries were built from huge blocks of granite, containing quartz, feldspar, and mica, all visible to the naked eye, as Fred once showed me.

From Literature

Manguso captures both the repelling and beautiful aspects of girls’ bodies: oily hair and fingernails “peeling off in layers like mica” — what’s visible and what shimmers right underneath the surface.

From Washington Post

Thousands of homes in the Republic of Ireland have crumbled because of bricks made of pyrite and mica, which absorbs water, causing walls to crack.

From BBC