Learn How to Pronounce silicon

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silicon

Definition:

(nou) a tetravalent nonmetallic element; next to oxygen it is the most abundant element in the earth's crust; occurs in clay and feldspar and granite and quartz and sand; used as a semiconductor in transistors

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈsɪlɪkən

Examples:

It is the silicon analogue of methane.

At the heart of the amplifier was a crystal of silicon.

This influences the electronic properties of the silicon.

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silicon

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: silicon

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Common mistakes of silicon pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "si-ˈli-con". This is incorrect. The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈsɪl-ɪ-kən". Tip: Remember to emphasize the "sil" part.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: People may pronounce "silicon" with an "ee" sound, like "see-licon". This is not standard. The correct pronunciation uses a short "i" sound: "ˈsɪl-ɪ-kən". Tip: Focus on the short "i" in the first syllable.
  3. Omitting the second syllable: Some might say "silicon" as "ˈsɪl-kən", dropping the "i". This changes the word's clarity. Tip: Make sure to pronounce all three syllables clearly: "ˈsɪl-ɪ-kən".
  4. Confusing with "silicone": Learners sometimes mix up "silicon" with "silicone", leading to mispronunciation. "Silicone" is pronounced "ˈsɪl-ɪ-ˌkoʊn". Tip: Be aware of the different endings and stress patterns between the two words.
  5. Adding extra syllables: Some may incorrectly say "sil-ˈi-con", adding an extra syllable. The correct pronunciation is "ˈsɪl-ɪ-kən". Tip: Keep it smooth and concise with three syllables.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "silicon" in American English?

In American English, "silicon" is pronounced as /ˈsɪlɪˌkɒn/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "sil," and the second syllable has a secondary stress.

What is the British pronunciation of "silicon"?

In British English, "silicon" is pronounced as /ˈsɪlɪkən/. The first syllable also carries the primary stress, while the final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it sound less emphasized.

Does "silicon" have any silent letters?

No, there are no silent letters in "silicon." Each letter in the word is pronounced, and the "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound.

How many syllables are in the word "silicon"?

The word "silicon" has three syllables: "sil-i-con." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the first syllable being the most stressed.
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