silex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “silex” mean?
A hard, dense, silica-rich rock, especially a type of flint or quartz.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, dense, silica-rich rock, especially a type of flint or quartz.
Historically, a proprietary name for a type of heat-resistant glass used in laboratory ware and coffee percolators.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The geological sense is equally rare in both varieties. The brand name 'Silex' may be more recognized in the US due to historical marketing of Silex coffee makers.
Connotations
In both, it sounds highly technical, historical, or refers to the specific brand.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage for both. Slightly higher historical recognition in the US for the coffee maker.
Grammar
How to Use “silex” in a Sentence
NOUN made of SILEX (archaic)the SILEX brandSILEX as a materialVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “silex” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The silex-like texture was noted.
- The silex fragments were sharp.
American English
- A silex-glass coffeepot.
- It had a silex-hard quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless referring to the historical brand.
Academic
Used occasionally in historical geology texts, archaeology, or material science histories.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Possible in geology (historical), archaeology, or materials science referring to specific glass compositions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “silex”
- Mispronouncing it as /sɪˈlɛks/ (like 'silent'), misspelling as 'silecks' or 'cylex'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized, or historical term.
It is most recognised as a historical brand name for heat-resistant glass, particularly in coffee makers.
In modern geology, it is considered archaic. 'Flint' or 'chert' are the preferred technical terms.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈsaɪlɛks/ is the same in both major varieties.
A hard, dense, silica-rich rock, especially a type of flint or quartz.
Silex is usually specialized/technical in register.
Silex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪlɛks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪlɛks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None - word is too technical for idiomatic use]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'silent ex'-cavator digging up hard, shiny SILEX stones.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not commonly metaphorized]
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'silex' most likely to be encountered today?