sodium silicate

7.1

A glass-like liquid that seals and protects things like concrete and preserves eggs

noun
/ˈsoʊdiəm ˈsɪlɪkeɪt/

Specialized

: silicato de sodio

A solution of sodium silicate helps preserve eggs for a longer period.
sodium silicate solution

Examples

Engineers sometimes refer to sodium silicate as 'liquid glass' due to its appearance and properties.
The workshop used sodium silicate as a sealant for the concrete floor.
The chemist used sodium silicate to create a protective coating.
Many industries rely on sodium silicates for various applications.
A solution of sodium silicate helps preserve eggs for a longer period.
Engineers sometimes refer to sodium silicate as 'liquid glass' due to its appearance and properties.
The workshop used sodium silicate as a sealant for the concrete floor.

Synonyms

water glass

vssodium silicate

Specialized

8.7

A clear thick liquid used as cement and for preserving eggs

is the formal chemical term rather than the common name

soluble glass

vssodium silicate

Specialized

7.5

A thick sticky liquid that coats or glues surfaces and helps preserve eggs

is the more common everyday name rather than the technical term

Surface Forms

sodium silicate singular

sodium silicates plural

Morphology

sodium + silicate

The term denotes a compound formed from 'sodium' + 'silicate' and follows standard chemical naming conventions, so its meaning (a sodium-containing silicate used as a cement/coating) is directly compositional. This formation is cross-linguistically predictable (e.g., 'silicato de sodio'), so a learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Sodium silicate is named for its parts, sodium and silicate, and for its glass-like look when mixed with water. One popular idea is that it behaves like 'liquid glass'—a watery, glassy substance that can harden to seal and protect things—so the name helps you remember its use as a sealant and preservative.