silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio) -kət How to pronounce silicate (audio)
: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid
especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Preservation experts have warned that applying a mineral silicate coating to the building’s historic granite would require damaging preparation, weaken the stone and result in ongoing maintenance costs, according to the statement. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 These minerals include aluminium oxide, iron, magnesium silicate, manganese sulfide, potassium chloride, sodium sulfide and zinc sulfide. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 July 2026 On Earth, clouds are made of water, and on Jupiter, they're made of ammonia, while much hotter worlds can have clouds of silicates. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Globally, however, the new paper indicates that the most abundant lithium ore is called spodumene, a lithium-aluminum silicate (LiAl(SiO3)2). — ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for silicate

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silicate was in 1811

Phrases Containing silicate

Browse Nearby Words

silicane
silicate
silicate bond
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicate. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

silicate

noun
sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio)
ˈsil-ə-kət
: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun
sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce silicate (audio) ˈsil-i-kət How to pronounce silicate (audio)
: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid
especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion and constitute the largest class of minerals

More from Merriam-Webster on silicate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silicate

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