'silicate-like' originates from English, specifically from the combining of the noun 'silicate' and the suffix '-like'; 'silicate' itself ultimately derives from Latin 'silica' (from 'silex/silic-' meaning 'flint, hard stone') and the English suffix '-like' traces to Old English 'lic' meaning 'having the form of'.

'silicate' was formed in modern chemical English (19th century) from Latin-based 'silica' (from Latin 'silex/silic-'), while the suffix '-like' evolved from Old English 'lic' through Middle English (e.g. 'lich', 'like') into the productive Modern English suffix '-like'; these parts combined in English to form the compound 'silicate-like'.

Initially, elements meant 'relating to silica or silicate salts' (for 'silicate') and '-like' meant 'having the form or appearance of'; over time the compound came to be used to describe things that resemble silicate minerals or materials in structure or composition.