Silex
/ˈsaɪ.lɛks/noun
A hard, flintlike form of silica, especially one used historically in glassmaking or as a source of silicon.
Did you know?The Latin noun *silex* had the form *silicis* in other grammatical cases, which helped produce the scientific terms *silica* and *silicon*.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
silex
“Flint or a hard stone capable of producing sparks”
Classical Latin
Latin
silicis
“Of flint; the genitive form of *silex*”
Medieval Latin
Latin
siliceus
“Flinty or made of flint”
17th Century
English
silex
“A flintlike substance used in glassmaking”
18th Century
Scientific English
silica
“Silicon dioxide, historically associated with flint and siliceous minerals”
19th Century
Scientific English
silicon
“The chemical element derived from the same Latin-based terminology”