metallographic

9.3

Relating to examining metal under a microscope to see its inner structure

adjective
/ˌmɛtələˈɡrɑfɪk/

Specialized

: metalográfico

The metallographic analysis revealed the unique grain structure of the alloy.

Examples

Using metallographic techniques, the scientists examined the effects of heat treatment on the metal.
Samples were prepared for light microscopy and for evaluation on an SEM equipped with an electron backscatter pattern (EBSP) system by using conventional metallographic procedures.

Academic text (2000)
Metallographic investigation will follow the completion of all testing procedures.

Academic text (1998)
In addition, through systematic studies of metallographic structure, the researcher can determine general manufacturing techniques to establish a baseline and thus identify variations.

Academic text (2003)
He studied the metallographic features of the steel to improve its durability.

Compounds

metallographic sample

Specialized

7.9

A piece of metal prepared to show its inside under a microscope

metallographic specimen

Specialized

9.6

A piece of metal prepared by polishing and acid treatment to see its structure under a microscope

Surface Forms

metallographic positive

Morphology

metallographic = metallography (opaque) = metal + graphy + ic

Adding -ic to metallography is a regular adjective-forming pattern, but the base term is technical.

Etymology

Metallographic combines metal and graphic, where graphic comes from a root meaning 'to write' or 'to show', like in photograph which 'shows' an image. So metallographic means making pictures or records that 'show' the tiny structure of metals, which is why it refers to the microscopic study of metals.