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Glite Dictionary
bimetallic strip

bimetallic strip

5.5
A thin strip of two metals joined together that bends when heated
  • noun
  • /ˌbaɪməˈtælɪk strɪp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tira bimetálica
  • The bimetallic strip in the thermostat bends and triggers the heating system when the temperature drops.

Examples

  • As the bimetallic strip warms up, it curves due to the different expansion rates of the two metals.

  • Old electric irons often used a bimetallic strip to regulate their temperature automatically.

  • The bimetallic strip expanded when heated.

  • A bimetallic strip is used in thermostats.

  • As the bimetallic strip warms up, it curves due to the different expansion rates of the two metals.

  • The bimetallic strip in the thermostat bends and triggers the heating system when the temperature drops.

  • Old electric irons often used a bimetallic strip to regulate their temperature automatically.

Surface Forms

bimetallic strip singular
bimetallic strips plural

Morphology

bimetallic + strip

The meaning is directly compositional: 'bimetallic' means made of two different metals and 'strip' is a long narrow piece, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer a strip made of two metals. While the bending behavior on heating is a technical consequence, the referent and basic concept are transparently derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Bimetallic strip is a thin strip made from two metals joined together. When it gets hot, one metal grows more than the other so the strip 'bends', and that bending was used to 'switch things on and off' or to 'measure temperature'.