silicate Definition

a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid; especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

any of several silicates of calcium used especially in construction materials (such as portland cement)

a calcium silicate 2CaO·SiO2 that is an essential ingredient of portland cement

a toxic corrosive crystalline salt Na2SiO3 used especially as a detergent or as a substitute for phosphates in detergent formulations