Silica: meaning, definitions and examples

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silica

 

[ หˆsษชlษชkษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

material

Silica is a hard, unreactive, colorless compound which occurs as the mineral quartz and as a principal constituent of sandstone and other rocks.

Synonyms

quartz, sand, silicon dioxide.

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Word Description / Examples
silica

Used in scientific and industrial contexts. Often found in descriptions of materials and compositions in chemistry and engineering.

  • Silica is a primary component in the manufacturing of glass.
  • The researcher analyzed the silica content in the soil samples.
silicon dioxide

Appears in scientific literature and technical documents. Used to specify the chemical compound, especially in a formal or precise context.

  • Silicon dioxide is present in many types of rocks and soils.
  • The study focused on the properties of silicon dioxide in various conditions.
quartz

Commonly used in geology and gemology. Also appears in descriptions of watches and other timepieces that use quartz technology.

  • Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth's surface.
  • This quartz watch is both accurate and affordable.
sand

Used in everyday language to describe loose granules often found on beaches or deserts. Typically used in informal contexts.

  • We built a sandcastle at the beach.
  • The desert was a vast expanse of sand.

Examples of usage

  • Silica is commonly used in the production of glass.
  • Silica is also used in the manufacture of ceramics.
  • Silica gel is a porous form of silica used as a desiccant.
  • Silica nanoparticles have applications in various fields.
  • The health hazards of inhaling silica dust are well-documented.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

Silica can also refer to the hard, glassy skeleton of certain single-celled marine algae called diatoms, which can be used in various industrial applications.

Synonyms

diatomaceous earth, siliceous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silica

Use this word for general references to the chemical compound silicon dioxide, often found in sand, quartz, and various other minerals. It is commonly used in scientific, industrial, and manufacturing contexts.

  • Silica is a primary component in the production of glass.
  • The mineral quartz is primarily composed of silica.
diatomaceous earth

This term is best used when referring to a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It is often used in the agricultural, pest control, and filtration sectors.

  • Diatomaceous earth is effective in controlling pests in the garden.
  • The pool filter uses diatomaceous earth for better filtration.
siliceous

This adjective is utilized to describe rocks, sediments, or other materials that contain a significant amount of silica. It is frequently used in geological and environmental sciences.

  • The region is known for its siliceous rock formations.
  • Siliceous sediments are common in deep-sea environments.

Examples of usage

  • Diatoms extract silica from water to build their intricate shells.
  • Silica from diatomaceous earth is used in filtration systems.
  • The silica structures of diatoms are incredibly detailed and beautiful.

Translations

Translations of the word "silica" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sรญlica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคฒเคฟเค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Siliciumdioxid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ silikat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะปั–ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ krzemionka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒชใ‚ซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท silice

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญlice

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท silika

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ค๋ฆฌ์นด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุณูŠู„ูŠูƒุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kล™emelina

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ silika

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ก…็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ silikat

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรญsill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบั€ะตะผะฝะตะทะตะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒชแƒ˜แƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ silisium

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sรญlice

Etymology

The word 'silica' comes from the Latin word 'silex' which means flint or hard stone. Silica has been known and used by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of its use in glassmaking dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. In modern times, silica has become an essential material in various industries due to its unique properties and versatility.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,716 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.