n. Chem. a non-metallic element occurring widely in silica and silicates, and used in the manufacture of glass.
Usage:
Symb.: Si.
Phrases and idioms:
silicon chip a silicon microchip. silicon carbide CARBORUNDUM. Silicon Valley an area with a high concentration of electronics industries.
Etymology: L silex -icis flint (after carbon, boron), alt. of earlier silicium