expanded glass
- noun
- Specialized
:
vidrio expandido
- The building was insulated with expanded glass to improve energy efficiency.
Examples
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Because of its low weight and insulating properties, expanded glass is popular in modern construction.
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Fire-resistant and moisture-proof features make expanded glass especially suitable for harsh environments.
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The contractor recommended expanded glass.
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Is expanded glass suitable for outdoor use?
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Because of its low weight and insulating properties, expanded glass is popular in modern construction.
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Fire-resistant and moisture-proof features make expanded glass especially suitable for harsh environments.
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The building was insulated with expanded glass to improve energy efficiency.
Synonyms
A light hard foam made from crushed glass that keeps heat in and resists water
A light hard material made from melted sand with many small air pockets used for insulation and building
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally formed (expanded + glass), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a type of glass that has been expanded. However, the specific technical meaning — a lightweight, opaque, cellular insulating material produced by heating crushed glass with carbon — is specialized and not fully predictable from the constituent meanings, so full understanding requires domain knowledge.
Etymology
Expanded glass comes from the way the glass is heated and made into many tiny hollow balls, so the expanded part shows it is 'puffed up' with air. That's why it is very 'light' and used for 'insulation' and building work.
