The bimetallic strip is a key component in a wide range of mechanical and electronic devices. By combining two metals with different thermal expansion coefficients, bimetallic materials can expand or contract at different rates when heated or cooled, making them useful for creating mechanical actions in response to temperature changes. This principle is essential in the design of thermostats, circuit breakers, and temperature-sensitive sensors.
bimetallic in English
- bimetallic⇄bimetallic, adjective.
1. of or having to do with two different metals.
2. of bimetallism; based on bimetallism.
bimetallic in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
bimetallic in Marathi मराठी
Bimetallic
Part of Speech
Adjective
Pronunciation
/ˌbaɪˈmɛtəlɪk/
Definitions
- 1. Relating to or involving two metals, especially when fused together or used in combination in engineering or manufacturing.
- 2. Referring to a material or device made up of two metals, often used for specific purposes like temperature regulation (e.g., bimetallic strips).
Usage Examples
- "The bimetallic strip in the thermostat expands and contracts as it heats and cools, regulating the temperature."
- "Bimetallic compounds are commonly used in precision devices where thermal expansion is a concern."
Etymology
The term "bimetallic" is derived from the prefix "bi-" meaning "two" and "metal," referring to the combination of two metals. It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe devices, like thermostats, that utilized two metals with different properties to achieve a desired effect, such as expansion or contraction based on temperature.
Synonyms
- Bimetal
- Alloyed
- Composite metal
Antonyms
- Monometallic
- Single-metal
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Bimetálico | /bi.meˈta.li.ko/ |
| French | Bimétallique | /bi.mɛ.ta.lik/ |
| German | Bimetallisch | /ˈbiːmɛˌtalɪʃ/ |
| Italian | Bimetallico | /bi.meˈtal.li.ko/ |
| Portuguese | Bimetálico | /bi.meˈta.li.ku/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /ˌbaɪˈmɛtəlɪk/
- British English: /ˌbaɪˈmɛtəlɪk/
Historical Usage
The use of the term "bimetallic" originated in the field of thermodynamics in the 19th century. Bimetallic strips were first used in thermostats, and the term gradually expanded to describe any combination of two metals used for specific industrial purposes. Its most common application remains in temperature-regulating devices, but bimetallic materials are also used in electrical switches, pressure sensors, and in various high-tech applications.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of bimetallic materials plays a crucial role in many modern technologies, and the term has transcended its technical origins to become more widely known in the context of engineering and innovation. In some cultures, bimetallic devices like thermostats have become household staples, while in others, they are more commonly associated with advanced industrial applications.