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.
There are silicates glittering in the asphalt. — Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Shangri-La’s sand dunes aren’t silicates like on Earth, though, but likely grains of frozen hydrocarbons. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 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 Unlike Magnifique’s completely clay pot, however, these stoneware crocks are glazed in a silicate made of a blend of quartz, feldspar, and clay. — Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 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 7 Jul. 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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