The word "silicic" is spelled with a soft "c" sound at the end, even though it is derived from the element silicon, which has a hard "c" sound. This difference can be explained through the IPA phonetic transcription, which shows that "silicon" has the sound /ˈsɪlɪkən/ while "silicic" has the sound /sɪˈlɪsɪk/. The "c" in "silicic" takes on a soft sound because it follows the vowel "i." This is a common pattern in English spelling where "c" is followed by "e", "i", or "y".
Silicic is an adjective used to describe materials or substances that are rich in silica, a compound composed of silicon and oxygen. It refers to something that is primarily composed of or related to silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is the most common form of silica found in nature.
In the context of geology, silicic is often used to describe igneous rocks that contain a high concentration of silica. These rocks are typically light in color and have a granitic composition, with minerals such as quartz and feldspar. Silicic magma or lava is thick and viscous, which results in explosive volcanic eruptions due to the trapped gases that cannot escape easily.
Silicic is also used in chemistry and materials science to refer to substances that have a high silicon content. This can include various types of glass, ceramics, and silicone-based compounds that are derived from silicon.
Furthermore, in the field of biogeochemistry, silicic is employed to designate the dissolved form of silica in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in relation to the growth and production of diatoms and other siliceous organisms.
Overall, the term silicic is used to describe materials, rocks, compounds, and processes that are characterized by a significant presence of, or association with, silica or silicon dioxide.
Relating to silica or silicon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Of or pert. to, or obtained from, flint or quartz.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "silicic" is derived from the element "silicon". "Silicon" itself comes from the Latin word "silicium", which refers to flint or hard rock. The term "silicic" is created by adding the suffix "-ic" to "silicon". This suffix is commonly used in scientific terminology to denote the presence of an element or compound. Therefore, "silicic" is used to describe substances or compounds that contain silicon, particularly those that are rich in silica.