silicon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, scientific, business, and journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “silicon” mean?
A chemical element (Si), a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, known for its semiconductor properties and used extensively in electronics and computing hardware.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical element (Si), a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, known for its semiconductor properties and used extensively in electronics and computing hardware.
The term can also refer to the material derived from this element, the industry based on it (e.g., Silicon Valley), or symbolically to high-tech innovation and digital technology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Both associate the word strongly with technology and innovation. The phrase 'Silicon Valley' is a universal proper noun.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical and business contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “silicon” in a Sentence
[be] made of silicon[use/incorporate] silicon in[deposit/grow] silicon on[dope] silicon with [boron/phosphorus]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “silicon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The silicon chip industry is concentrated in a few regions.
- They are researching new silicon-based anodes.
American English
- The silicon chip industry is focused in a few regions.
- They're researching new silicon-based battery anodes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the tech industry, supply chains, and market dynamics (e.g., 'The silicon shortage is impacting car production.').
Academic
Used in chemistry, materials science, physics, and engineering contexts to describe properties, processes, and applications.
Everyday
Most commonly encountered in news about technology, computers, and solar panels.
Technical
Precise specifications of purity, doping, crystal structure, and fabrication processes (e.g., 'monocrystalline silicon', 'p-type silicon').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “silicon”
- Misspelling as 'silicone'.
- Using 'silicon' to refer to silicone breast implants.
- Incorrect pluralisation (it is generally uncountable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally uncountable when referring to the material (e.g., 'a piece of silicon'). It can be countable when referring to types or specific pieces ('different silicons', 'a silicon').
The name originates from the silicon-based integrated circuit chips that were developed and produced by many pioneering companies in that region of California.
Silicon (Si) is the element. Silica (SiO2) is silicon dioxide, a compound found in sand and quartz, which is the most common raw material for producing pure silicon.
Yes, commonly in compound nouns like 'silicon chip', 'silicon wafer', or attributively as in 'silicon industry'.
A chemical element (Si), a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, known for its semiconductor properties and used extensively in electronics and computing hardware.
Silicon is usually technical, scientific, business, and journalistic. in register.
Silicon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪlɪkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪlɪkɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the silicon ceiling”
- “heart of silicon”
- “built on silicon”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SILICON is in your PHONE. Think: 'My phone's ICON is made of SILICON.'
Conceptual Metaphor
Silicon is the 'brain' or 'heart' of modern digital technology; the foundational 'sand' of the information age.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between 'silicon' and 'silicone'?