aluminothermy

noun

alu·​mi·​no·​ther·​my
plural -es
: a process of producing great heat and strong chemical reduction by oxidizing finely divided aluminum with oxygen taken from another metal, this metal being thus reduced from its oxide (as molten iron is obtained from iron oxide in welding by the Thermit process)

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary alumin- + -thermy; originally formed as German aluminothermie

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aluminothermy was in 1900

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near aluminothermy

Cite this Entry

“Aluminothermy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aluminothermy. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!