English Reference

Word

silicone

Phoneticssil·i·cone

US/ˈsɪɫəˌkoʊn/

UK/sˈɪlɪkˌəʊn/

Definitions

01the material

B2 · Science

n. a man-made material that feels like rubber and is used to make things like baking mats, phone cases, and medical parts.

n. a class of synthetic polymeric compounds characterized by thermal stability and water repellence, utilized in industrial, domestic, and medical contexts.

“The baker used a silicone mat so the cookies wouldn't stick to the tray.”

“Due to its high heat resistance and non-reactive nature, silicone has become a preferred material for high-end kitchenware and medical tubing.”

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable when referring to specific chemical variants.

Pitfall

The computer chip is made of silicone.

The computer chip is made of silicon.

Do not confuse 'silicone' (the rubbery material) with 'silicon' (the hard element used in electronics).

Synonyms

polymersealant

02to seal or treat

C1

v. to use a silicone liquid or gel to fill gaps or protect a surface from water.

v. to apply a silicone-based sealant to a joint or surface, typically for waterproofing or insulation.

“You need to silicone the edges of the bathtub to prevent leaks.”

“The contractor spent the afternoon siliconing the window frames to ensure the building met the new energy efficiency standards.”

Technical

Usage

Transitive verb requiring a direct object.

Synonyms

sealcaulk

03having had cosmetic surgery

C2

adj. a slang word for someone who has had surgery to change their body, especially their chest.

adj. describing a person who has undergone cosmetic surgery involving silicone implants.

“The magazine was full of photos of silicone models on the beach.”

“The documentary explored the cultural obsession with the 'silicone look' that dominated tabloid media during the early 2000s.”

Slang · Informal

Teaching tip

This usage is often derogatory or objectifying; learners should use it with caution.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Etymology

From silicon + -one. Originally obtained by the attempted synthesis of the silicon equivalent of a ketone.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Chemistry

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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