Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
alpha-ferrite

alpha-ferrite

8.4
A magnetic form of iron that appears in steel below 906°C
  • noun
  • /ˈælfə ˈfɛraɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alfa-ferrita
  • The microstructure of low-carbon steel is primarily composed of alpha-ferrite.

Examples

  • As the temperature drops below 906°C, iron transforms into alpha-ferrite.

  • Metallurgists often analyze the distribution of alpha-ferrite to improve steel properties.

  • The structure of alpha-ferrite is crucial for understanding steel properties.

  • Many engineers study alpha-ferrites for their magnetic properties.

  • As the temperature drops below 906°C, iron transforms into alpha-ferrite.

  • The microstructure of low-carbon steel is primarily composed of alpha-ferrite.

  • Metallurgists often analyze the distribution of alpha-ferrite to improve steel properties.

Synonyms

ferrite
vsalpha-ferrite
  • Specialized
1 8.9

A soft magnetic form of iron found in steel and other metals

focuses on the same magnetic phase defined by its stability below 906°C
alpha-Fe
vsalpha-ferrite
  • Specialized
9.1

A magnetic form of iron that exists at normal temperatures

uses the full descriptive name and stresses occurrence in steels and alloys
alpha iron
vsalpha-ferrite
  • Specialized
8.1

A form of iron that is magnetic and stable below 906°C

highlights that it commonly exists in steels and iron alloys

Surface Forms

alpha-ferrite singular
alpha-ferrites plural

Morphology

alpha-ferrite = ferrite (transparent) = alpha + ferrite

The form 'alpha' + 'ferrite' straightforwardly denotes the alpha phase of ferrite; the construction is literal though technical.

Etymology

The word alpha-ferrite combines alpha, the Greek letter meaning 'first', and ferrite, from Latin ferrum meaning 'iron'. So it names the 'first' or main form of iron that appears in steel at low temperatures, which is why alpha-ferrite is the stable iron form below 906°C.