silicon
nounnounattested in dialogue
- Canada//ˈsɪləkɒn//
- Australia//ˈsɪlɪkən//
A nonmetallic element (symbol Si) with an atomic number of 14 and atomic weight of 28.0855.
noun
- 1
A nonmetallic element (symbol Si) with an atomic number of 14 and atomic weight of 28.0855.
His idea is to stand billions of ultrafine wire loops around the edge of a silicon chip — hence the name racetrack — and use electric current to slide infinitesimally small magnets up and down along each of the wires to be read and written as digital ones and zeros.
- 2
A single atom of this element.
Etymology
Coined by Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson as a modification of the earlier name silicium, from the stem of Latin silex (“flint, silica”) + -on from carbon.
noun
- 1
slangComputing.
- 2
slangA computer processor.
- 3
Variant of silicon chipAbbreviation of silicon chip.
Etymology
From the silicon chips used in computers.
Forms
- plural
- silicons
silicon · A nonmetallic element (symbol Si) with an atomic number of 14 and atomic weight of 28.0855.
silicone · Any of a class of inert, semi-inorganic polymeric compounds…silk · A fine fiber excreted by the silkworm or other arthropod…Silk · A surname originating as an occupation for a seller of silk.