capillary fracture

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Word: Capillary Fracture

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A capillary fracture is a type of break or crack in a material, usually very thin, where the parts do not separate from each other. It is called "capillary" because the crack is similar in size to a capillary tube, which is very narrow.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "capillary fracture" when discussing materials like glass, ceramics, or metals that have tiny cracks.
• It is often used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in materials science or geology.

Example Sentence:

• The glass vase had a capillary fracture that was so fine it was hard to see, but it made the vase weak.

Advanced Usage:

• In engineering, understanding capillary fractures can help predict how materials will behave under stress, which is important for safety in construction.

Word Variants:

• "Capillary" (adjective): relating to very small tubes or narrow structures.
• "Fracture" (noun): a break or crack in something, particularly in bones or materials.

Different Meanings:

• "Fracture" can also refer to a break in a bone (e.g., a broken arm).
• "Capillary" can describe blood vessels that are very small and connect arteries and veins.

Synonyms:

• Microfracture (a very small fracture)
• Hairline crack (a very fine crack, often used interchangeably with capillary fracture)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs using "capillary fracture," but you might encounter idioms related to "fractures" such as "to break the ice" (to make a start in a conversation) or "fractured relationship" (a relationship that is damaged).

Summary:

A capillary fracture is a very fine crack in a material that does not lead to the parts breaking apart.

Academic

Noun

1. a fracture without separation of the fragments and the line of the break being very thin

Synonyms

• hairline fracture