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Glite Dictionary
misch metal

misch metal

9.9
A mix of metals used to make lighter flints because it catches fire easily when struck
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : metal misch
  • Misch metal is used for the flints in cigarette lighters.

Examples

  • Then, of course, we have what many would consider the most important use for rare earths: adding cerium and lanthanum to iron to make misch metal.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • "There's really something called misch metal?" You bet.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • The lighter sparked to life thanks to the misch metal flint inside.

  • Misch metal is an essential component in the production of high-quality flints for lighters.

  • In many outdoor survival kits, you'll find misch metal used for creating fire starters.

Synonyms

pyrophoric alloy
vsmisch metal
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is a specific blend mainly of rare earth metals used for lighter flints
ferrocerium
vsmisch metal
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard metal mix that makes sparks when you hit it to start fires

is mainly a rare earth metal mixture rather than iron plus cerium blend

Surface Forms

misch metal singular
misch metals plural

Morphology

misch + metal

The first element 'misch' is not a recognizable English word (marked '[Word not found]') and functions as a technical/loanword element rather than a productive, transparent morpheme; knowing 'metal' alone does not allow a B1 learner to infer 'a pyrophoric alloy of rare-earth metals'. Although 'metal' is transparent, the opaque/technical status of 'misch' makes the compound meaning unpredictable without prior exposure or specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Misch metal comes from the German word 'Mischmetall', and the parts misch and metal literally mean 'mixed metal'. It is a mix of rare metals that makes sparks when struck, so the name helps you remember it is a metal mixture used for lighter flints.