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Glite Dictionary
eutectoid steel

eutectoid steel

8.1
A type of steel that contains about 0.9% carbon and forms a fine, layered structure when it cools
  • noun
  • /juːˈtɛk.tɔɪd stiːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acero eutectoide
  • When heated and cooled properly, eutectoid steel forms a uniform pearlite structure throughout.

Examples

  • Pearlite is the microstructure seen in pure eutectoid steel after slow cooling.

  • After cooling, the microstructure of eutectoid steel reveals a pearlite formation.

  • Most cutting tools are made from eutectoid steel because of its high hardness.

  • The properties of eutectoid steel make it suitable for various applications.

  • Can you explain the benefits of eutectoid steels in construction?

  • Manufacturers prefer eutectoid steel for making tools due to its exceptional hardness.

  • Due to its composition, eutectoid steel is known for its unique blend of strength and ductility.

Surface Forms

eutectoid steel singular
eutectoid steels plural

Morphology

eutectoid + steel

The modifier 'eutectoid' is a specialized metallurgical term referring to a specific composition and phase transformation; its meaning is technical and not transparently derivable by a B1 learner from everyday morphemes. Knowing 'steel' alone does not allow one to infer the precise scientific sense, so the phrase requires domain knowledge rather than semantic composition.

Etymology

Eutectoid steel may come from the idea of a special point where the metal, at about 0.9% carbon, changes all at once as it cools into a layered structure called 'pearlite'. So eutectoid steel means steel with that exact carbon amount that becomes 'pearlite' throughout when it cools.