Pronunciation: [sɪlˈa͡ɪʃəs] (IPA) 
The word "siliceous" is spelled sɪˈlɪʃəs in IPA transcription. It means containing, resembling, or relating to silica or silicon dioxide. The spelling of "siliceous" can be broken down phonetically as "sɪ" for the short "i" sound, "lɪ" for the "l" and "i" sounds, "ʃəs" for the "sh" and "s" sounds. This term is often used in geology and mineralogy to describe rocks, sediments, and other materials that are high in silica content.
Siliceous is an adjective used to describe something that contains or is composed of silicates, a group of minerals primarily composed of silicon and oxygen. Derived from the Latin term "silicium" which means silicon, siliceous refers to the abundance or presence of silica or silicic acid.
In geology, siliceous refers to rocks, sediments, or minerals that have a high silica content. Siliceous rocks include materials such as quartz, chert, flint, and opal. These rocks are typically hard, resistant to weathering, and exhibit a significant amount of silica within their composition.
In biology, siliceous is used to describe organisms or structures that contain or produce silica. For instance, certain types of algae and diatoms have siliceous cell walls or exoskeletons made up of silica, which contribute to their rigidity and protective functions.
Siliceous materials are also prevalent in industrial applications due to their high resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. For instance, silica is used in the production of glass, ceramics, cement, and electronics.
Overall, siliceous describes the abundance or presence of silica or silicic acid in geological, biological, or industrial contexts, indicating a material or substance that contains high levels of silicon and oxygen compounds.
Resembling or containing silex; flinty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "siliceous" comes from the Latin term "siliceus", which is derived from the Latin noun "silex", meaning "flint" or "hard stone". "Silex" itself traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sleyk", which denotes something that is hard or to hit and is also the origin of words like "slice" and "slick". Thus, the etymology of "siliceous" ultimately refers to the quality of being hard or stony, which is characteristic of materials containing a high amount of silica, such as flint or quartz.
