Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

silica

noun
/ˈsɪlɪkə/
Definition
Silica is a chemical compound composed of silicon and oxygen, commonly found in nature as quartz and in various living organisms.
Examples
  • Silica is used in the production of glass.
  • Workers should wear masks to avoid inhaling silica dust.
  • The plant thrives in sandy, silica-rich soils.
Meaning
Silica refers to silicon dioxide, a hard, unreactive solid that occurs in various forms, such as sand and quartz, and is a major constituent of many minerals.
Synonyms
  • Silicon dioxide
  • Quartz
  • Sand