silicon
Definitions
A nonmetallic chemical element (Si), a semiconductor refined from silica and used to make computer chips and solar cells.
硅，一种非金属化学元素（Si），由二氧化硅提炼而来的半导体，用于制造计算机芯片和太阳能电池。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsilic (flint) + -on, an element ending modeled on carbon and boron. Silicon is the pure element extracted from silica, the flint-stone compound. Named for the rock it hides inside, it became famous as the semiconductor at the heart of every microchip.
Root silic still carries 3 more wordsUsage Guide
Critical spelling trap: silicon (no final -e) is the element (Si), a hard gray semiconductor — 'a silicon chip,' 'Silicon Valley.' silicone (with -e) is a soft synthetic rubber/polymer — 'silicone sealant,' 'silicone implants.' Mixing them up is a very common error. Silicon is uncountable.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Almost every computer chip is etched onto a thin wafer of silicon.
- 2.
Silicon Valley grew up around companies that made silicon-based semiconductors.
- 3.
Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust.
- 4.
Don't confuse silicon, the element, with silicone, the rubbery sealant.
Easily Confused
silicon vs silicone — silicon (no -e) is the chemical element, a hard gray semiconductor used in chips. silicone (with -e) is a flexible synthetic polymer used in sealants, cookware, and implants. One letter, completely different material. silicon vs silica — silica is the compound (SiO₂, i.e. sand/quartz); silicon is the pure element pulled out of it.