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Glite Dictionary
ferrocerium

ferrocerium

9.9
A hard metal mix that makes sparks when you hit it to start fires
  • noun
  • /ˌfɛroʊˈsɪriəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ferrocerio
  • When you strike ferrocerium with a hard surface, it emits hot sparks ideal for ignition.

Examples

  • The survival kit included a ferrocerium rod for starting fires in an emergency.

  • Modern lighter flints are usually made from ferrocerium because of its ability to easily produce sparks.

  • A lighter uses ferrocerium to create sparks.

  • The ferrocerium rod ignited the fire quickly.

  • A ferrocerium rod can be used to start a fire in wet conditions.

  • When struck, the ferrocerium alloy produces a bright spark.

  • Survival kits often include a ferrocerium fire starter for outdoor enthusiasts.

Synonyms

pyrophoric alloy
vsferrocerium
  • Specialized
9.9

A metal mix that makes sparks when you strike it, used in lighters

is a specific iron and cerium blend rather than the general class
misch metal
vsferrocerium
  • Specialized
9.9

A mix of metals used to make lighter flints because it catches fire easily when struck

uses iron and cerium specifically instead of a mixed rare earth blend

Surface Forms

ferrocerium singular
ferroceriums plural

Morphology

ferrocerium = cerium (semi-transparent) = ferro + cerium

Formed from the combining form 'ferro-' (iron) plus the element 'cerium', so compositionally 'iron+cerium alloy', but both morphemes are technical/rare so the structure is not fully transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Ferrocerium joins ferro- (meaning 'iron', think of the word iron) and cerium, a metal named after the small planet Ceres. It names a man-made mix of iron and cerium that gives off hot sparks when struck, which is why it is used in lighter flints.