pearlite

noun

pearl·​ite ˈpər(-ə)-ˌlīt How to pronounce pearlite (audio)
: the lamellar mixture of ferrite and cementite in slowly cooled iron-carbon alloys occurring normally as a principal constituent of both steel and cast iron
pearlitic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For filling your bed, Wied suggests using a third topsoil, a third compost, and a third drainage material such as pearlite or vermiculite. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pearlite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

French perlite, from perle pearl

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pearlite was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near pearlite

Cite this Entry

“Pearlite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pearlite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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