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microcrack

microcrack

7.0
A very small break in a material that is often too tiny to see
  • noun
  • /ˈmaɪkroʊˌkræk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microgrieta
  • The technician explained that microcracks in the glass can often go unnoticed until they lead to major breaks.
  • microcracks in specimens
  • introduction of microcracks

Examples

  • A higher number of smaller microcracks was observed in F-ECC specimens compared to other mixtures (Fig. 2(a)).

    Academic text (2016)
  • An ultrasonic sensing system may be able to warn athletes that their bones are undergoing microcracks that could lead to stress fractures.

    Academic text (2007)
  • To reduce increased EI results after the creation of microcracks, healing should bring the damaged specimen back to a nearly sound situation.

    Academic text (2016)
  • "There's an accumulation of microcracks that no one notices."

    Academic text (2007)
  • Increasing the amount of steel fibers helps in bridging the developing microcracks and limiting their propagation.

    Academic text (2016)
  • The engineer discovered several microcracks in the concrete, which indicated potential structural weakness.

  • Regular inspections can help identify microcracks in materials before they develop into serious damage.

Synonyms

crack
vsmicrocrack
267 1.0

A long narrow opening in a surface

is much smaller and usually invisible and often an early sign of damage
microfracture
vsmicrocrack
3 7.4

A very small crack in bone or hard material that is hard to see

is similar but emphasizes being an early sign of damage

How Severe

fracture
364 4.1
crack
267 1.0
microcrack
  • Specialized
7.0
scratch
203 1.6

Surface Forms

microcrack singular
microcracks plural

Morphology

microcrack = crack (transparent) = micro + crack

The meaning is directly compositional: a microcrack is simply a very small crack.

Etymology

Microcrack combines micro- meaning 'small' and crack meaning 'a break or split', so it is a very tiny crack often too small to see without a microscope. That's why a microcrack can be an early sign of damage.