sə̇ˈläkˌsān noun
( -s )
Etymology: blend of silane and oxygen
: any of a class of compounds that contain alternate silicon and oxygen atoms in either a linear structure [as H 3 Si(OSiH 2 ) n OSiH 3 ] or a cyclic structure [as (H 2 SiO) n ] and that in many cases contain methyl, phenyl, or other organic radicals in place of some or all of the hydrogen atoms and are made by hydrolysis of chlorosilanes or alkoxy-silanes — see silicone