silicone

[ sil-i-kohn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a number of polymers containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, as (–Si–O–Si–O–) n, whose properties are determined by the organic groups attached to the silicon atoms, and that are fluid, resinous, rubbery, extremely stable in high temperatures, and water-repellent: used as adhesives, lubricants, and hydraulic oils and in electrical insulation, cosmetics, etc.

silicone

/ ˈsɪlɪˌkəʊn /

noun

1. chem See also siloxane
   1. any of a large class of polymeric synthetic materials that usually have resistance to temperature, water, and chemicals, and good insulating and lubricating properties, making them suitable for wide use as oils, water-repellents, resins, etc. Chemically they have alternate silicon and oxygen atoms with the silicon atoms bound to organic groups
   2. ( as modifier )

      silicone rubber

silicone

/ sĭl′ĭ-kōn′ /

1. Any of a class of chemical compounds consisting of long chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, with two organic radicals, typically a methyl (CH 3 ) and a phenyl (C 6 H 5 ) group, attached to each silicon atom. Silicones are very stable and resist the effects of water, heat, and oxidizing agents. They are used to make adhesives, lubricants and synthetic rubber.

Word History and Origins

Origin of silicone¹

First recorded in 1905–10; silic(on) + -one

Example Sentences

The toxins are not in every black-colored item — for example, you won’t find it in a black spatula made of silicone.

From Los Angeles Times

Permanent fillers like silicone or paraffin have been used but are not recommended, as they have been associated with long-term complications like necrosis and deformities.

From Salon

For more than an hour, I had twisted and contorted myself trying without success to get a grip on that two-inch piece of silicone.

From Salon

Our tests weeks later revealed that railcar chemicals had even penetrated the business’s silicone wristband products on its shelves.

From Salon

Its silicone tongue was sticking out between its lips, and I couldn’t resist pulling on it, and it came out in my hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coating