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Glite Dictionary
pyroelectric material

pyroelectric material

9.3
A material that makes an electric charge when heated or cooled
  • noun
  • /ˌpaɪroʊɪˈlɛktrɪk məˈtɪrɪəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : material piroeléctrico
  • The pyroelectric material generated a small voltage when exposed to rapid temperature changes.

Examples

  • Tourmaline is a naturally occurring pyroelectric material used in scientific instruments.

  • The pyroelectric material generated a voltage when heated.

  • Engineers developed a new pyroelectric material for heat sensors in infrared cameras.

  • Can you identify a pyroelectric material?

  • Engineers developed a new pyroelectric material for heat sensors in infrared cameras.

  • The pyroelectric material generated a small voltage when exposed to rapid temperature changes.

  • Tourmaline is a naturally occurring pyroelectric material used in scientific instruments.

Surface Forms

pyroelectric material singular
pyroelectric materials plural

Morphology

pyroelectric + material

The noun phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'pyroelectric' (generating electric charge from temperature change) simply modifies 'material' (a substance), so the phrase means 'a material that produces an electric charge when its temperature changes.' Although 'pyroelectric' is a technical term, its meaning is literal and compositional, so a learner who knows the constituents can derive the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The compound pyroelectric material comes from pyro, an old word for 'fire' meaning 'heat', and electric, which means 'electricity'. So it literally names a material that makes an electric charge when it gets hotter or colder.