silica gel

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a highly adsorbent gelatinous form of silica, used chiefly as a dehumidifying and dehydrating agent.

silica gel

noun

1. an amorphous form of silica capable of absorbing large quantities of water: used in drying gases and oils, as a carrier for catalysts and an anticaking agent for cosmetics

Word History and Origins

Origin of silica gel¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The best option is silica gel, a drying agent that can absorb lots of moisture.

From Seattle Times

Researchers have made their own silica gel, а staple in chromatography machines, which separate chemical compounds from mixtures.

From Science Magazine

The samples are forced through a column of silica gel, which traps the unwanted chemicals and leaves the alkanes they want to measure.

From Science Daily

Yes, I did forget to remove the silica gel packet from the new and improved case.

From The Verge

Condensation streamed down the sides, so Ridgway put a blotter under the lid, then sealed the entire box into a plastic bag along with sacks of silica gel to absorb moisture.

From Washington Post