silicon
n. uncountablen. a chemical element found in sand and rocks. It is very important for making computer chips and other electronic parts.
n. a nonmetallic chemical element with the atomic number 14. It is widely used as a semiconductor in electronic circuits and computer hardware.
Silicon is the main material used to make computer processors.
The tech industry relies heavily on the supply of high-purity silicon to manufacture modern smartphones and laptops.
As a semiconductor, silicon possesses electrical conductivity between that of a metal and an insulator, making it the foundational material for the integrated circuits that power the digital age.
Coined by Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson as a modification of the earlier name silicium, from the stem of Latin silex (“flint, silica”) + -on from carbon.
From the silicon chips used in computers.
Uncountable when referring to the chemical element or the material used in technology.
The kitchen tools are made of silicon.The kitchen tools are made of silicone.Learners often confuse 'silicon' (the hard element used in chips) with 'silicone' (the flexible, rubber-like plastic used in tools).