thermite

A chemist carefully ignites a small pile of thermite on a fireproof surface.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pyrotechnic composition: "thermite" is a mixture of metal powder (typically aluminum) and metal oxide (usually iron oxide) that produces an extremely high-temperature reaction when ignited, used for welding (e.g., railroad tracks) and in incendiary devices.

Usage Examples

• (A high-temperature mixture for metal joining.)
• (The intense heat generated by the chemical process.)

Advanced Usage

• "thermite reaction": the exothermic chemical process in which aluminum reduces a metal oxide, producing molten metal and aluminum oxide.

  • The thermite reaction is highly exothermic and requires a strong ignition source. (The chemical process releases intense heat.)

• "thermite welding": a specific application of thermite to join metal parts, especially in rail construction.

  • Thermite welding is preferred for its portability and strength in remote locations. (A welding technique using the thermite mixture.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thermite (n): the standard spelling; also occasionally spelled "thermit" (less common).

  • The thermite mixture is stored in a sealed container to prevent accidental ignition. (The pyrotechnic compound.)

• Thermite-based (adj): describing something that uses or is derived from thermite.

  • The thermite-based incendiary device was designed for military use. (Relying on thermite as a key component.)

Synonyms

• Pyrotechnic mixture: a chemical blend used for high-temperature reactions.
• Welding compound: a substance used to fuse metals together.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs