silicone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, Medical, Everyday (in specific contexts)
Quick answer
What does “silicone” mean?
A synthetic polymer material consisting of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, known for its heat resistance, flexibility, and water-repellent properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic polymer material consisting of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, known for its heat resistance, flexibility, and water-repellent properties.
The material is widely used in sealants, lubricants, medical implants (breast implants), kitchen utensils, and electronics. Informally, it is strongly associated with cosmetic surgery (e.g., 'silicone injections').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical strong association with cosmetic surgery and medical implants in both cultures.
Frequency
Similar frequency in technical/medical contexts. Slightly higher public frequency in US media due to prominence of cosmetic surgery discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “silicone” in a Sentence
[silicone + NOUN] (e.g., silicone sealant)[NOUN + made of/from silicone][VERB + with silicone] (e.g., seal with silicone)[silicone + is used for + GERUND]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “silicone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They will silicone around the bath to prevent leaks.
- The technician silicones the joints for a waterproof seal.
American English
- You need to silicone the edges of the window frame.
- He silicones the gasket in place.
adjective
British English
- She bought a set of silicone baking moulds.
- The surgeon used a silicone gel sheet.
American English
- Use a silicone spatula for non-stick pans.
- The implant has a silicone outer shell.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the manufacturing and sale of silicone-based products (sealants, medical devices).
Academic
Used in chemistry, materials science, and medical journals discussing polymer properties or implant safety.
Everyday
Most commonly encountered in DIY (sealants), cooking (bakeware), and discussions of cosmetic surgery.
Technical
Precise term for polysiloxanes, specifying grades (e.g., RTV silicone) and applications in engineering and medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “silicone”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “silicone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “silicone”
- Confusing 'silicone' (polymer) with 'silicon' (element). Example mistake: 'The processor is made of silicone.' (Incorrect; should be 'silicon').
- Misspelling as 'silicone' when 'silicon' is meant, and vice versa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Silicon' (Si) is a natural chemical element, a semiconductor used in electronics. 'Silicone' is a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, and other elements, used for its flexible, heat-resistant properties.
Medical-grade silicone is extensively tested and considered biocompatible for many applications like implants and tubing. However, industrial-grade silicone or non-medical applications are not safe for internal medical use.
Yes, most silicone bakeware is heat-resistant typically up to 220-260°C (428-500°F), making it safe for ovens. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.
Silicone gel's viscosity and stability closely mimic natural fatty tissue, making it the dominant material for breast implants since the 1960s. This led to the term becoming a metonym for such enhancements.
A synthetic polymer material consisting of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, known for its heat resistance, flexibility, and water-repellent properties.
Silicone is usually technical, medical, everyday (in specific contexts) in register.
Silicone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪlɪkəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪlɪkoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “silicone valley (play on 'Silicon Valley', referring to areas known for cosmetic surgery)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SilicONE' has a 'tone' of flexibility – used for implants and sealants. 'Silicon' is the 'on' switch in electronics.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL FOR SHAPING/MOLDING (both physically and metaphorically, as in body shaping).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'silicone' correctly?