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Glite Dictionary
pyrophoric alloy

pyrophoric alloy

9.9
A metal mix that makes sparks when you strike it, used in lighters
  • noun
  • /ˌpaɪrəˈfɔrɪk əˈlɔɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aleación pirofórica
  • The pyrophoric alloy inside the lighter creates sparks when the wheel is spun.

Examples

  • A pyrophoric alloy can ignite when struck.

  • Workers handle pyrophoric alloys with care due to their ability to ignite easily.

  • A new type of pyrophoric alloy was developed for use in emergency fire-starting kits.

  • The pyrophoric alloys are essential for creating sparks.

  • A new type of pyrophoric alloy is used in lighter flints to produce sparks when struck.

  • When the wheel of the lighter turns, the pyrophoric alloy generates sparks to start a fire.

  • The pyrophoric alloy ignites instantly when scraped against steel.

Synonyms

ferrocerium
vspyrophoric alloy
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard metal mix that makes sparks when you hit it to start fires

is the general name for alloys that emit sparks when struck
misch metal
vspyrophoric alloy
  • Specialized
9.9

A mix of metals used to make lighter flints because it catches fire easily when struck

is the broader category covering all spark-producing alloys used in flints

Surface Forms

pyrophoric alloy singular
pyrophoric alloys plural

Morphology

pyrophoric + alloy

The meaning ('an alloy that ignites or emits sparks') is directly and compositionally derived from 'pyrophoric' (spontaneously ignites) plus 'alloy' (a mixture of metals). Although the term is technical, the semantic contribution of each constituent is transparent, so a learner who knows both words would be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Pyrophoric alloy names a metal mix that makes sparks when you scrape or strike it. The word pyrophoric points to making fire and alloy means a mix of metals, so the phrase describes a metal mix 'that gives sparks' and explains why it is used to start fires in lighters.