silicon
nounUK /ˈsɪlɪkən/
US /ˈsɪlɪkən/
Silicon is a hard, gray material found in sand and rocks that is used to make computer chips.
The tiny computer chip is made mostly of silicon.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The chemical element of atomic number 14, a hard brittle crystalline solid used in alloys and electronics.
Silicon is the second most abundant element in Earth's crust.
3. A material used in electronic devices and solar cells because it can conduct electricity under certain conditions.
Solar panels are built with layers of silicon.
4. Informal shorthand for the technology industry, especially in places like Silicon Valley.
Many startups hope to make it big in silicon.