babbit-metal
Definition
Noun (uncountable): A soft, white, non-ferrous alloy composed primarily of tin, antimony, and copper, used especially as a bearing material in machinery. It is designed to reduce friction and wear between moving metal parts.
Usage Examples
- (The alloy was used as a lining to reduce friction.)
- (The alloy is cast into specific shapes for mechanical use.)
Advanced Usage
"to pour babbit-metal": a process in which molten babbit-metal is cast into a bearing shell.
- The technician carefully poured babbit-metal into the mold to create a custom bearing. (The alloy was melted and shaped for a specific machine part.)
"babbit-metal bearing": a bearing that has been lined or made from this alloy.
- The old locomotive relied on babbit-metal bearings in its wheel axles. (Bearings made from the alloy.)
Variants and Related Words
Babbitt (n): a shortened form of babbit-metal, referring to the same alloy.
- The mechanic ordered a new batch of Babbitt for the repair. (The alloy itself.)
Babbitt-lined (adj): describing a bearing or surface coated with babbit-metal.
- The shaft rotated within a Babbitt-lined sleeve. (The sleeve had a lining of the alloy.)
Synonyms
- Bearing metal: a general term for any alloy used in bearings.
- White metal: a category of soft, light-colored alloys that includes babbit-metal.
Related Idioms