oxide

A substance created when oxygen binds to some other element. When that happens with iron, we get rust. When that happens with siliconAn element (number 14 in the periodic table) that can be a semiconductor, making it the material of preference for circuits and micro-mechanical devices., we get materials like sand and quartz. Often, the oxides of conductorsA material through which electricity can flow. Metals are a good, familiar example. and semiconductorsA material that, under some circumstances, can conduct electricity and, in other circumstances, cannot. will be insulatorsA material through which electricity cannot readily flow. Plastic is a good, familiar example..