Definition

1. Noun:
   • A copper-nickel alloy: "cupronickel" refers to a metallic alloy primarily composed of copper and nickel, known for its silver-like appearance, corrosion resistance, and use in coinage and marine applications.
   • A specific 60/40 alloy: In technical contexts, it often specifically denotes an alloy containing approximately 60% copper and 40% nickel.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Many modern coins are minted from cupronickel.
  • The ship's condenser tubes were made of cupronickel for its excellent resistance to seawater corrosion.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Specification: The term is often used in metallurgy and engineering to specify materials for specific environments.
  • The specification calls for a cupronickel alloy with a minimum nickel content of 30%.

Variants and Related Words

• Copper-nickel alloy: A more descriptive, general term for alloys of copper and nickel.
• Nickel silver (or German silver): A related alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, which is visually similar but contains zinc and is distinct from cupronickel.

Synonyms

• Copper-nickel: A direct synonym describing the alloy's composition.
• Cu-Ni alloy: An abbreviated technical synonym.

Related Phrases

• Cupronickel cladding: A process where a layer of cupronickel is bonded to another metal.
  • The hull was protected with cupronickel cladding.

Related Idioms

(This word is a technical/material term and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. a 60/40 alloy of copper and nickel