Definition

Noun: - A type of alloy steel containing between 10% and 15% molybdenum as a primary alloying element. Its properties, such as high strength and resistance to heat and corrosion, are comparable to those of tungsten steel.

Usage

• As a material: Used to specify a category of steel known for its specific alloy composition and resulting mechanical properties.
  • The high-stress components were forged from molybdenum steel.
  • This application requires the durability of molybdenum steel.

Advanced Usage

• In technical specifications: The term is used in metallurgy and engineering contexts to denote steels where molybdenum is the key hardening agent, often for high-temperature applications.
  • The datasheet specifies a grade of molybdenum steel for the turbine blades.

Variants and Related Words

• Moly steel (n): An informal or abbreviated term for molybdenum steel.
  • The mechanic recommended using moly steel for the repair.
• Alloy steel (n): The broader category to which molybdenum steel belongs.

Synonyms

• Molybdenum-alloyed steel: A more descriptive synonym emphasizing the alloying process.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to the steel alloy itself. It is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or as a phrasal verb due to its technical nature as a material name.

Noun

1. steel containing 10-15% molybdenum; properties are similar to tungsten steel