silane

noun

si·​lane ˈsi-ˌlān How to pronounce silane (audio)
ˈsī-
: any of various compounds of hydrogen and silicon that have the general formula SinH2n+2 and are analogous to alkanes

Examples of silane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As silane and germane are hazardous gases, the researchers also built automated control systems that continuously monitor hundreds of operating conditions, helping maintain both safety and exceptionally high chemical purity throughout production. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026 This led to the discovery of an unexpected molecule that initially defied identification, but was eventually determined to be a simple one called silane, formed when silicon and hydrogen bond. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025 There are four main sealers for brick floors silane, silicate, siliconate, and siloxane. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2025 That award would help fund a silane gas plant to feed the company’s silicon operations, alleviating a critical supply bottleneck. — IEEE Spectrum, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for silane

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary silicon + methane

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silane was in 1916

Rhymes for silane

See All Rhymes for silane

Browse Nearby Words

silage cutter
silane
Silastic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silane. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on silane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All