Pronunciation: [sɪlˈɪʃəs] (IPA) 
Silicious is a word that refers to something containing silica. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /sɪˈlɪʃəs/. The first syllable, "si", is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in the word "sit". The second syllable, "li", is pronounced with a long "i" sound, like in the word "light". The third syllable, "cious", is pronounced as "shus", with a soft "sh" sound and a short "u" sound, like in the word "push".
Silicious is an adjective that pertains to or is characteristic of silica, a compound composed of silicon and oxygen, commonly found in nature as sand, quartz, or flint. The term silicious describes anything that contains, consists of, or resembles silica or has properties similar to it.
Silicious materials refer to those that have a high silica content or are composed predominantly of silica. These materials often exhibit hardness, durability, and resistance to chemical weathering, due to the inherent properties of silica. Examples of silicious materials include various types of rocks, minerals, and sediments, such as sandstone, chert, or diatomaceous earth.
In the context of biology and geology, silicious can also describe organisms or structures that contain or produce silica. For instance, diatoms, a type of single-celled algae, possess intricate cell walls made of silicate structures called frustules. These frustules can be considered as silicious structures.
Overall, the term silicious encompasses any materials, substances, or features that are related to, composed of, or resemble silica in some way. It is an adjective that helps to identify and categorize various minerals, rocks, sediments, or organisms based on their silica content or properties.
Containing silica.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Resembling or containing silex; flinty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word silicious is derived from the Latin word silicium, which means silicon. The suffix -ous comes from the Latin -osus, which is used to form adjectives indicating possession or fullness. Therefore, silicious means full of, or containing, silicon.
