A polymer of organic silicon oxides, which may be a liquid, gel, or solid, depending on the extent of polymerization; formerly widely used in surgical implants, in intracorporeal tubes to conduct fluids, as dental impression material, as a grease or sealing substance, as a coating on the inside of glass vessels for blood collection, and in various ophthalmological procedures.
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sil·i·cone 'sil-ə-.kōn n any of various polymeric organic silicon compounds which are obtained as oils, greases, or plastics and some of which have been used as surgical implants
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sil·i·cone (silґĭ-kōn) a polymeric organic siloxane; any of a large group of organic compounds comprising alternating silicon and oxygen atoms linked to organic radicals, (R2SiO)n, the most common substituent being a methyl group. They occur as liquids, semisolids, or solids as a function of molecular weight and degree of polymerization, and range in viscosity from less than one to greater than one million centistokes. Functionally, silicones are usually divided into fluids (or oils), greases, waxes, resins, gums, and elastomers (silicone rubber), and uses have included wetting agents and surfactants, lubricants, defoaming agents, sealants, coolants, surgical membranes, contact lenses, implants, and dental impression materials. See also under oil.Medical dictionary. 2011.