bimetallic
/,baimi'tælik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Consisting of two different metals or alloys, especially in sheets bonded together: This describes an object or material made by joining two distinct metals, often to exploit their different properties.
- Relating to a monetary system based on two metals: This pertains to an economic system where the value of currency is defined by and can be exchanged for fixed quantities of two metals, typically gold and silver.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Material):
- A bimetallic strip, used in thermostats, bends when heated because the two metals expand at different rates.
- The engineer specified a bimetallic connector for its superior corrosion resistance and conductivity.
- Adjective (Monetary):
- The 19th-century debate over bimetallic standards was a major political issue in the United States.
- Advocates argued that a bimetallic system would provide more monetary stability than a gold standard alone.
Advanced Usage
- "Bimetallic standard": A specific term for the monetary system where the currency unit is defined as equivalent to certain amounts of two metals.
- The country abandoned the bimetallic standard in favor of a fiat currency system.
- "Bimetallic corrosion": A type of galvanic corrosion that can occur when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in a corrosive environment.
- The design must account for bimetallic corrosion to ensure the structure's longevity.
Variants and Related Words
- Bimetallism (n): The economic theory or practice of using two metals, especially gold and silver, as the monetary standard.
- Bimetallism was a central topic in the presidential election of 1896.
- Bimetallist (n/adj): A person who advocates for bimetallism; relating to bimetallism.
- The bimetallist candidate gave a speech on the benefits of a dual-metal currency.
Synonyms
- Dual-metal: Consisting of two metals.
- Bimetal: (Often used interchangeably as an adjective) Made of two metals.
Related Phrases
- Bimetallic strip: A common component made of two strips of different metals bonded together, which bends with temperature changes.
- The thermostat's operation depends on the precise bending of its bimetallic strip.
- Bimetallic coin: A coin made from two different metals, often with a center of one metal and an outer ring of another.
- The new one-pound coin is a secure bimetallic coin.
Adjective
- formed of two different metals or alloys; especially in sheets bonded together
- pertaining to a monetary system based on two metals
- in a bimetallistic system both gold and silver can constitute legal tender