Definition

A hard and brittle compound made of iron and carbon, commonly found in steel and iron alloys, especially when the carbon content is high.

Example

Cementite is an important component in the microstructure of high-carbon steels.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about cementite?

Yeah, I think it's that hard compound found in some steels, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it affects the material's properties.

For sure, I read that it makes the steel more brittle but also very strong.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cementite is formed from "cement" (from Latin "caementum", meaning stone or concrete) and "-ite" (a suffix used in mineralogy to denote minerals or rocks). The word "cementite" refers to a specific iron carbide mineral that is a component of steel, resembling a hard, stone-like substance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cement' as a hard, stone-like material, and remember that 'cementite' is a mineral that has similar properties.

Visually Confused Words