Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific type of fusible alloy: Wood's alloy is a metal alloy with a very low melting point, composed primarily of bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium. Its key property is that it melts at approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 71 degrees Celsius).

Usage

• Wood's alloy is used in applications requiring a material that melts at a low, predictable temperature.
• It is often utilized in safety devices, such as fire sprinklers or electrical fuses, where heat must trigger a mechanical action.
• Due to its composition, particularly the cadmium, handling requires caution.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old fire alarm system relied on a plug made of Wood's alloy.
  • Researchers used Wood's alloy to create a temporary support structure that could be melted away easily.
  • Because Wood's alloy melts in hot water, it is sometimes used for demonstration purposes.

Advanced Usage

• "To cast with Wood's alloy": To use the molten alloy to make a mold or form.
  • The intricate shape was formed by casting with Wood's alloy.

Variants and Related Words

• Fusible alloy (n): The general category of alloys with low melting points to which Wood's alloy belongs.
• Wood's metal (n): A common alternative name for Wood's alloy.

Synonyms

• Low-melting-point alloy: A descriptive synonym highlighting its primary characteristic.
• Fusible metal: A general term often used interchangeably in context.

Related Terms and Context

• Eutectic alloy: A technical term describing an alloy, like Wood's alloy, that has a single melting point lower than the melting points of its individual components.
• Bismuth alloy: A broader category, as bismuth is the primary component of Wood's alloy.

Noun

1. a fusible alloy that is half bismuth plus lead, tin, and cadmium; melts at about 160 degrees Fahrenheit