silicon carbide
noun Chemistry.
a very hard, insoluble, crystalline compound, SiC, used as an abrasive and as an electrical resistor in objects exposed to high temperatures.
Origin of silicon carbide
First recorded in 1900–05
Words nearby silicon carbide
silicify,
silicium,
silicle,
silicon,
silicon alley,
silicon carbide,
silicon chip,
silicon dioxide,
silicon fen,
silicon glen,
silicon rectifier
British Dictionary definitions for silicon carbide
silicon carbide
noun
an extremely hard bluish-black insoluble crystalline substance produced by heating carbon with sand at a high temperature and used as an abrasive and refractory material. Silicon carbide whiskers have a high tensile strength and are used in composites; very pure crystals are used as semiconductors. Formula: SiC