Definition

Describing a type of steel or iron that has a structure resembling pearlite, which is a mixture of two phases of iron.

Example

The engineer recommended using pearlitic steel for its strength and durability.

Conversation

I was reading about different types of steel yesterday.

Oh really? What did you find interesting?

I learned that some steel can have a pearlitic structure, which makes it very strong.

That sounds cool! I never knew steel could have different structures like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pearlitic is derived from "pearlite" (a term in metallurgy referring to a specific microstructure of steel) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "pearlitic" refers to something that is related to or characteristic of pearlite, which is a mixture of ferrite and cementite in steel.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pearlite' as a special structure in steel, and the '-ic' means it's related to that structure. So, pearlitic describes something that has the qualities of pearlite.

Visually Confused Words