Definition

1. Noun:
   • An abrasive composed of silicon carbide crystals: "Carborundum" is a trademarked name for a very hard, sharp, synthetic material made of silicon carbide, used primarily for grinding, polishing, and cutting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The machinist used a wheel made of carborundum to sharpen the tools.
  • Carborundum is valued for its hardness, which is close to that of diamond.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: The term is often used in manufacturing, metalworking, and lapidary (gem-cutting) contexts to specify the abrasive material.
  • The final polish was achieved using a fine carborundum powder.

Variants and Related Words

• Silicon carbide (SiC): This is the chemical name for the compound that constitutes carborundum. "Carborundum" is a trademark, while "silicon carbide" is the generic technical term.
  • Silicon carbide is used not only as an abrasive but also in electronic applications.

Synonyms

• Abrasive: A general term for any material used for grinding or polishing.
• Grinding compound: A phrase describing substances used for abrasive purposes.

Notes on Usage

• Trademark Status: "Carborundum" was originally a trademark but is often used generically to refer to silicon carbide abrasives, especially in older or less technical contexts. In precise technical writing, "silicon carbide" is preferred.
• Capitalization: As a former trademark, it is sometimes capitalized as "Carborundum," though common usage often employs lowercase.

Noun

1. an abrasive composed of silicon carbide crystals