silicone
UK[ˈsɪlɪkəʊn]US[ˈsɪlɪkoʊn]
n
Any of a large class of chemical compounds consisting of long chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms, known for their stability and used in lubricants, adhesives, and rubber-like materials.
Morpheme Breakdown
silic
one
silic
silicon
one
chemical suffix
Etymology
The word 'silicone' is a modern scientific coinage from the early 20th century. It is constructed from 'silicon', the name of the element derived from the Latin silex for flint, a hard mineral rich in silica. The suffix '-one' was borrowed from organic chemistry terminology (as in 'ketone'), where it typically denotes a specific type of carbon-oxygen group. In 'silicone', this suffix was repurposed to analogously name polymers based on a silicon-oxygen backbone rather than carbon, thus creating a term that logically signals a class of synthetic, inorganic-organic hybrid materials.
Analysis
Structure: silic (silicon) + one (chemical suffix)
- silic: From the element 'silicon', itself from Latin silex (genitive silicis) meaning "flint, hard stone". In this word, it denotes the central chemical element.
- one: A chemical suffix, from the word 'ketone', used in chemistry to form names of compounds containing certain functional groups, particularly those with a silicon-oxygen backbone.
Examples
Silicone sealant is commonly used around bathtubs and sinks to prevent water leaks.
Many baking molds are made from flexible silicone because it is heat-resistant and non-stick.
The surgeon used silicone implants for the reconstructive procedure.