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Glite Dictionary
austenite

austenite

9.9
A structure in steel that forms when it is heated and turns into harder forms when cooled
  • noun
  • /ˈɔːstənˌaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : austenita
  • Austenite is the phase of steel that allows it to be shaped more easily when heated; the austenite phase is crucial for this transformation.

Examples

  • Depth profiling and retained austenite measurements are also available.

    Academic text (2003)

  • A popular example is the haphazardly twisted wire that spells out "Nitinol" when it's heated into its austenite phase.

    Academic text (2002)

  • In steel production, austenite transforms into martensite once the metal cools down, affecting its hardness and strength.

  • Welding often involves austenite to ensure that the final product has the desired strength and durability.

Surface Forms

austenite singular
austenites plural

Morphology

austenite = Austen (opaque) = austen + ite

The word is an eponymic technical term formed from the proper name 'Austen' plus the mineral/chemical suffix '-ite'; knowing the name does not help a general learner infer the metallurgical meaning.

Etymology

Austenite is named after the British metallurgist Austen, and the ending -ite means 'a mineral or rock', as you see in graphite. So austenite is the mineral-like form of iron that appears in steel when it is very hot and then changes into harder forms as it cools.