Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

silicon

/ˈsɪlɪkən/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.00 in modern English

Syllables
sil-i-con
IPA
/ˈsɪlɪkən/
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A nonmetallic element (symbol Si) with an atomic number of 14 and atomic weight of 28.0855.

Uncountable

noun

A nonmetallic element (symbol Si) with an atomic number of 14 and atomic weight of 28.0855.

Countable

noun

Computing.

Slang; Uncountable

noun

A computer processor.

Slang; Uncountable

noun

Abbreviation of silicon chip.

Uncountable

Example Sentences

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.

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈsɪlɪkən/
  • British English: /ˈsɪlɪkən/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce silicon?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈsɪlɪkən/.
What does silicon mean?
A nonmetallic element (symbol Si) with an atomic number of 14 and atomic weight of 28.0855.
Where does silicon come from?
It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce silicon

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “silicon”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈsɪlɪkən/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “silicon”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “silicon” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.