Definition

A chemical mixture made of aluminum and iron oxide that produces a lot of heat when ignited, often used in welding and explosives.

Example

The workers used thermite to weld the metal parts together.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of thermite?

Yeah, I think it’s used in some welding processes, right?

Exactly! It creates a ton of heat when ignited.

That sounds really intense; I bet it's fascinating to watch!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thermite is derived from the Greek word "thermos" (meaning hot or heat) and the suffix "-ite" (often used in chemistry to denote minerals or compounds). The word "thermite" refers to a type of exothermic reaction that produces intense heat, typically used in welding and metal cutting.

Memory Tip

Think of 'heat' ('thermos') when remembering that 'thermite' is a substance that generates a lot of heat during its chemical reaction.

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