silicone
noun
sil·i·cone
ˈsi-lə-ˌkōn
plural silicones
: any of various synthetic polymers that are manufactured in various forms (such as elastomer, resin, oil, and gel), that are used in a variety of applications (such as electronic components, medical devices, bakeware, automotive engine parts, and construction sealants), that are characterized especially by chemical inertness, water repellency, and resistance to ultraviolet light and extreme heat, and that have flexible silicon and oxygen bonds in the backbone (see backbone sense 2c)
Instead of greasing, you can line the cookie sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat made from silicone …—Suzanne Boyle
For concerns about traveling with anything wet … look for heavy-duty reusable bags made from silicone, which is not compostable but can be reused more frequently than a plastic bag.—Mindy Sink
Every other year or so, it's important to seal these cracks with rubber silicone …—Ken Moon
—often used before another nounYou can keep your garage door operating smoothly by lubricating the tracks with a small amount of silicone spray.—Angie Hicks
… surgery filled the tear in the eye with silicone oil to keep the shape and give the retina a chance to reattach at the back of the eye.—Mike Wilson
see also silicone rubber
Cite this Entry
“Silicone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silicone. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.
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