silica gel
1
5.8
- noun
- /ˈsɪlɪkə dʒɛl/
- Specialized
:
gel de sílice
- It had been sent down from the Lycoming people in Pennsylvania and was professionally packed with sachets of silica gel to absorb moisture that would rust the delicate parts of the engine.
- silica gel packets
Examples
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Silica gel draws moisture from fresh flowers while preserving their color and shape.
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Drionne is a dried silica gel with a pesticide included.
Blog text (3) -
Karen, get me the silica gel.
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I mean it comes with and it seems to just be a little pouch, silica gel included.
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There's a warning on this packet of silica gel telling me not to eat it.
Blog text (28) -
Then add a small amount of silica gel to the flask and swirl to mix.
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Then add a small amount of silica gel to the flask and swirl to mix.
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If you live in a humid region, you can add silica gel to absorb additional moisture.
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Silica gel packets, changed as needed, will help keep moisture levels under control.
How Absorbent
- Specialized
1
5.8
- Specialized
1
4.0
- Specialized
66
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
silica + gel
The compound is compositionally transparent: 'silica' (silicon dioxide) + 'gel' yields a gel made of silica, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a silica-based gelatinous/substance. Although the specific technical use as a moisture-absorbing desiccant may be specialised vocabulary, the basic referent is directly derivable from the parts and follows a common noun–noun compounding pattern.
Etymology
Silica gel: The name silica gel comes from the material silica, a sand-like mineral, and the jelly-like word gel for the small bead form that soaks up moisture. These tiny beads act like little sponges and 'keep things dry', which is why packets of silica gel are put in new shoes and boxes.