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Glite Dictionary
kerite

kerite

9.9
A material like rubber made from tar and oils used to cover electrical wires
  • noun
  • Specialized
: kerita
  • Early telegraph cables were often insulated with kerite to protect the wires from moisture.

Examples

  • Advances in materials eventually replaced kerite with more modern insulators.

  • The company specialized in producing kerite for use in electrical installations.

  • The electrician used kerite for insulation.

  • Can you buy some kerite for the project?

  • Early telegraph cables were often insulated with kerite to protect the wires from moisture.

  • The company specialized in producing kerite for use in electrical installations.

  • Advances in materials eventually replaced kerite with more modern insulators.

Surface Forms

kerite singular
kerites plural

Etymology

Kerite likely comes from an old root ker- meaning 'wax', the same root you see in kerosene, so imagine a waxy, oily substance; that's an easy memory hook. That's why kerite, made by mixing tar or asphalt with oils and sulphur, was used as a rubber-like insulator to protect wires.