pyrometallurgy

noun

py·​ro·​met·​al·​lur·​gy ˌpī-rō-ˈme-tə-ˌlər-jē How to pronounce pyrometallurgy (audio)
 especially British  -mə-ˈta-lə-
: chemical metallurgy depending on heat action (such as roasting and smelting)
pyrometallurgical adjective

Examples of pyrometallurgy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The more common is pyrometallurgy, in which recyclers first mechanically shred the cell and then burn it, leaving a charred mass of plastic, metals, and glues. Ian Morse, Science | AAAS, 20 May 2021 While the ash will contain useful materials, pyrometallurgy can produce toxic fumes and limits the recovery of other valuable components. Shel Evergreen, Ars Technica, 19 Apr. 2022 To extract those needles, recyclers rely on two techniques, known as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. Ian Morse, Science | AAAS, 20 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pyrometallurgy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrometallurgy was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near pyrometallurgy

Cite this Entry

“Pyrometallurgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrometallurgy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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