silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio)
-kət
: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid
especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most common signal came from a two-ringed organic molecule and was associated with various salts: phosphate, sulfate, silicates, and potentially a perchlorate. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 12 July 2023 During this process, the research team found that any crisscrossing or overlap of laser beams could lead to internal cracking, especially since lunar regolith is full of glass and other silicates. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023 In this image, blue represents silicates and sooty chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 23 Oct. 2023 The blue wisps of light show emissions from molecules like silicates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Oct. 2023 The mantle is mostly solid rock that’s comprised of silicates — silicon-oxygen compounds — found in most igneous rock, which form from the cooling of magma generated within the upper mantle. Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2023 Kohoutek also marked the first direct detection of methyl cyanide, hydrogen cyanide and silicates in a comet. Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2023 Her team measured its light spectrum, which looked suspiciously similar to that of silicates found on the moon, and not on asteroids. WIRED, 1 Nov. 2023 The analyses suggested that the boundary researchers had previously identified as the top of the core was in fact a layer of molten silicate. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silicate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicate was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near silicate

Cite this Entry

“Silicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

silicate

noun
sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio)
ˈsil-ə-kət
: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun
sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio) ˈsil-i-kət How to pronounce silicate (audio)
: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid
especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion and constitute the largest class of minerals

More from Merriam-Webster on silicate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!