silica

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a white or colorless vitreous insoluble solid (SiO2); various forms occur widely in the earth's crust as quartz or cristobalite or tridymite or lechatelierite

From New Latin silica, from Latin silex (“hard stone, flint”), on model of alumina, soda.

The beast was made of silica! — A Martian Odyssey, Stanley G. (Stanley Grauman) Weinbaum
Silica, 50 parts; plastic fire clay, 10 parts; ball clay, 3 parts. — Practical Mechanics for Boys, James Slough Zerbe
Silica is ordinarily looked upon as one of the most insoluble of substances. — The Book of the National Parks, Robert Sterling Yard

silicon oxide, silicon dioxide

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