thermite

noun

ther·​mite ˈthər-ˌmīt How to pronounce thermite (audio)
: 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
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

therm- + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermite was in 1900

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thermite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermite. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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