Definition

Noun: - An alloy composed primarily of nickel and chromium, characterized by its high electrical resistance and ability to withstand very high temperatures. It is primarily used in the manufacture of electrical resistance heating elements.

Usage

Nichrome is a specific material name used in engineering and manufacturing contexts. It functions as a mass noun (uncountable) when referring to the alloy substance itself. - The heating coil in the toaster is made of nichrome. - Nichrome wire is commonly used in laboratory furnaces.

Examples

• As a material/substance:
  • The designer selected nichrome for the new space heater due to its durability.
  • This type of heating element requires a high-resistance wire like nichrome.

Advanced Usage

• Nichrome's properties make it suitable not only for heating elements but also in certain types of resistors and in some artistic applications like wire sculpture due to its malleability and resistance to oxidation at high temperatures.

Variants and Related Words

• Nichrome wire: The most common form in which the alloy is used, often wound into coils.
  • He replaced the broken nichrome wire in the kiln.

Synonyms

• Resistance alloy: A general term for alloys designed to have high electrical resistance.
• Heating element alloy: A descriptive term highlighting its primary application.

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, specific technical meaning related to metallurgy and electrical engineering. It does not have different general meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs associated with it.

Noun

1. an alloy of nickel and chromium with high electrical resistance and an ability to withstand high temperatures; used for resistance heating elements