pearlite

[ pur-lahyt ]

noun

1. Metallurgy. a microscopic lamellar structure found in iron or steel, composed of alternating layers of ferrite and cementite.
2. Petrography. perlite.

pearlite

/ ˈpɜːlaɪt; pɜːˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. the lamellar structure in carbon steels and some cast irons that consists of alternate plates of pure iron and iron carbide
2. a variant spelling of perlite

Derived Forms

• pearlitic, adjective

Other Words From

• pearl·it·ic [pur-, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pearlite¹

First recorded in 1885–90; pearl + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

If the brand of available potting soil doesn’t contain pearlite, she lightens it with some so that pearlite is as much as one-quarter of the blend.

From Seattle Times

A final steel will be composed of pearlite; ferrite and pearlite; or cementite and pearlite, according to the carbon content.

From Project Gutenberg

He is then able to pick out its component minerals, ferrite, austenite, martensite, pearlite, graphite, cementite, and to show how their abundance, shape and arrangement contribute to the strength or weakness of the specimen.

From Project Gutenberg

Its components are tending to coagulate into pearlite, and will do so in a fairly short time at temperatures near the lower critical, which heat will furnish the necessary molecular freedom.

From Project Gutenberg

Just at this moment the lamination of pearlite, which now occupied its original area, was taking place.

From Project Gutenberg