Definition

1. 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

1. formed of two different metals or alloys; especially in sheets bonded together
2. pertaining to a monetary system based on two metals
   • in a bimetallistic system both gold and silver can constitute legal tender