# mica

/ˈmaɪkə/ (US) · /mˈaɪkɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mica
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a type of mineral that is used to make things like paint, glass, and electrical parts. It is famous for being very thin and shiny, like a sheet of paper.

For teachers: a group of silicate minerals that exhibit a pearly luster and are easily split into thin, flexible sheets. Often used as an insulator or a filler in industrial applications.

## Examples

- The paint contains mica to give it a shiny finish.
- Engineers use mica in the insulation of high-voltage electrical equipment because it can withstand extreme heat.
- Geologists identify mica by its distinctive cleavage, which allows the mineral to be separated into thin, transparent plates that reflect light in a unique way.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.