silicon

Definition

• n. a tetravalent nonmetallic element; next to oxygen it is the most abundant element in the earth's crust; occurs in clay and feldspar and granite and quartz and sand; used as a semiconductor in transistors

Word forms

Plural

silicons

Example sentences

1. n.

   Silicon is essential for making computer chips and other electronic devices.

2. 化

   Silicon, represented by the symbol Si, is a key element in the semiconductor industry.