# silicone

/ˈsɪɫəˌkoʊn/ (US) · /sˈɪlɪkˌəʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/silicone
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the material

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to seal or treat

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Transitive verb requiring a direct object.

### 3. having had cosmetic surgery

adjective · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

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

## Examples

- The baking mat is made of heat-resistant silicone.
- The surgeon used a silicone implant to repair the damaged tissue during the procedure.
- 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.

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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.