Silicon Definition

sĭlĭ-kən, -kŏn

noun

A nonmetallic chemical element occurring in several forms, found always in combination, and more abundant in nature than any other element except oxygen, with which it combines to form silica: used in the manufacture of transistors, solar cells, rectifiers, silicones, ceramics, etc.: symbol, Si; at. no. 14

Webster's New World

(slang) Computing.

Wiktionary

(slang) Computer processor.

Wiktionary

Abbreviation of silicon chip.

Wiktionary

(physics) The major stable isotope of silicon, ²⁸₁₄Si, having fourteen protons and fourteen neutrons; it amounts to over 92% of the element in nature.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
atomic number 14
si

Origin of Silicon

From the stem of Latin silex (“silica").

From Wiktionary
From the silicon chips used in computers

From Wiktionary
From silica

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition