Siliconization

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of applying a silicon-based or siloxane layer to a surface to alter its properties
2. A procedure where a surface is treated with silicon compounds to create a protective or lubricating coating
3. The method of covering a material with silicon or related chemicals to improve its resistance or reduce friction

Etymology: Silicon takes its name from the Latin "silex," meaning flint or hard stone. Its "-on" ending was borrowed from boron and carbon, which marked elements of that kind as nonmetals. The name points to a mineral, not to the element's chemistry. The rest of the word is a standard chain of English suffixes. "Silicon" plus "-ize," a verb-forming ending that comes ultimately from Greek, gives "siliconize," meaning to treat something with silicon. It follows the same pattern as "carbonize." Adding "-ation," which turns an action into a process, gives "siliconization," the process of applying a silicon coating.

Synonyms: siliconising, siliconizing, silicification

Antonyms: desiliconization