Definition

Noun: 1. A type of lead alloy: "Grid metal" refers specifically to a hard, durable alloy of lead. Its primary characteristic is its suitability for use in the structural framework (grids) of electrical storage batteries.

Usage Notes

• Technical Term: This is a highly specialized industrial and engineering term. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• Specific Application: The term is defined by its function. It is the material chosen to make battery grids because it possesses the necessary mechanical strength and electrochemical properties.
• Context: You will only encounter this term in contexts related to battery manufacturing, metallurgy, or electrical engineering.

Examples

• The plates inside a car battery are made from grid metal.
• The factory switched to a new formula for its grid metal to improve battery life.
• Researchers are developing a lighter alternative to traditional lead-based grid metal.

Advanced Usage

• Material Specification: In technical documents, "grid metal" may be specified alongside other battery components, such as the active material (lead oxide paste) and electrolyte.
  • Example: The patent describes an improved storage battery with a grid metal composed of lead, calcium, and tin.

Variants and Related Words

• Grid (Noun): The lattice or framework structure, often made of grid metal, that supports the active material in a battery plate.
• Lead alloy (Noun): A more general term for any mixture of lead with other metals. Grid metal is a specific type of lead alloy.

Synonyms

• Hard lead: This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the alloy's physical property.
• Battery grid alloy: A descriptive synonym that specifies both the application and material type.

Different Meanings

• Grid: Alone, "grid" has many common meanings (e.g., a network of lines, a power distribution system, a pattern of squares). "Grid metal" is a compound noun where "grid" specifically refers to the battery component.
• Metal: Alone, "metal" is a very broad category of elements and alloys. "Grid metal" is one specific type.

Noun

1. a kind of hard lead that is used for grids in storage batteries