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silicone

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɪɫəˌkoʊn// UK //sˈɪlɪkˌəʊn// sil·i·cone Informal Slang

n. a rubbery material made of chemicals that can handle heat very well. You often see it used in kitchen tools like spatulas or in medical products.

n. a synthetic polymer made of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, valued for its thermal stability and flexibility. Frequently used in industrial, medical, and culinary applications.


SIMPLE

The baking mat is made of heat-resistant silicone.

CONTEXTUAL

The surgeon used a silicone implant to repair the damaged tissue during the procedure.

COMPLEX

Because silicone remains flexible at extreme temperatures and resists moisture, it is an ideal material for sealing joints in both aerospace engineering and domestic bathroom construction.

Origin

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

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable when referring to specific chemical varieties or products.

Pitfall

The computer chip is made of silicone.The computer chip is made of silicon.Learners confuse 'silicone' (the rubbery polymer) with 'silicon' (the hard chemical element used in electronics).

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