thermite
noun
ther·mite
ˈthər-ˌmīt 
: a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide (such as iron oxide) that when ignited evolves a great deal of heat and is used in welding and in incendiary bombs
Examples of thermite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The flame-spewing ‘Dragon Drone’ transformed the thermite grenade from a niche munition only suitable for demolition to a weapon capable of burning down hundreds of meters of tree line.
—
David Hambling, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Early had allegedly started buying materials to make thermite, a mix of aluminum powder and iron oxide that produces intense heat and could devastate a building.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Jami then traveled to a Monroe residence and constructed an incendiary device, using thermite, sparklers and a ceramic pot.
—The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024
Concerns expressed by other Russian politicians regarding the long-term health impact on Ukraine are especially risible after Russia’s military has rained clouds of incendiary thermite on populated areas and employed thermobaric weapons with massive lethal blast radiuses in cities.
—Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2023
The tiny projectiles were reported to have left the Earth-Moon system after their thermite fuel discharged and shot toward parts unknown.
—John Wenz, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Hambling, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Early had allegedly started buying materials to make thermite, a mix of aluminum powder and iron oxide that produces intense heat and could devastate a building.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Jami then traveled to a Monroe residence and constructed an incendiary device, using thermite, sparklers and a ceramic pot.
—The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024
Concerns expressed by other Russian politicians regarding the long-term health impact on Ukraine are especially risible after Russia’s military has rained clouds of incendiary thermite on populated areas and employed thermobaric weapons with massive lethal blast radiuses in cities.
—Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2023
The tiny projectiles were reported to have left the Earth-Moon system after their thermite fuel discharged and shot toward parts unknown.
—John Wenz, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2018
Cite this Entry
“Thermite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermite. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share