How Do You Spell BABBITT METAL?

Pronunciation: [bˈabɪt mˈɛtə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Babbitt Metal," a type of soft tin-based alloy used in bearings, can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced /ˈbæbɪt/, with a short "a" sound followed by a stressed second syllable with a short "i" sound /ˈmɛt(ə)l/. The spelling of "Babbitt" is based on the last name of its inventor, Isaac Babbitt. The spelling of "Metal" stems from the Old English word "metall," which means a precious mineral or material extracted from the earth.

BABBITT METAL Meaning and Definition

1. Babbitt metal is a soft white alloy that consists primarily of tin, antimony, and copper. It is known for its low melting point, which makes it easily fusible and malleable. This metal has been widely used as a lining or bearing material in various industrial applications due to its excellent friction resistance and load-bearing capabilities.

   The name "Babbitt metal" is derived from Isaac Babbitt, an American inventor who patented the alloy in 1839. Babbitt sought to develop a material that would serve as an alternative to traditional iron-based bearings, which were prone to overheating and seizure. With its unique composition and characteristics, Babbitt metal quickly gained popularity as a reliable material for bearings in machinery.

   The primary component of Babbitt metal is tin, which typically makes up about 80% of the alloy. Antimony comprises around 10-12%, and copper makes up the remaining 7-8%. This composition gives the metal its distinct softness and ability to adhere well to different surfaces, providing a smooth and low-friction interface between moving parts.

   Babbitt metal has found extensive use in various applications, including automotive engines, electric motors, turbines, pumps, and machinery that requires smooth and precise rotation. Its ability to withstand heavy loads and high temperatures, as well as its self-lubricating properties, make it an ideal material for reducing friction and extending the lifespan of moving parts.

2. An alloy of antimony, copper, and tin; used in machinery to minimize friction, and occasionally in dentistry.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

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Etymology of BABBITT METAL

The word "Babbitt" or "Babbitt Metal" is derived from the name of its inventor, Isaac Babbitt. Isaac Babbitt was an American inventor and mechanic who lived from 1799 to 1862. He developed a type of white metal alloy that came to be known as Babbitt Metal. This material, composed primarily of tin, copper, and antimony, became widely used as a bearing material in machinery, particularly in engines. The term "Babbitt Metal" became a generic term for this type of alloy, named after its creator.

Plural form of BABBITT METAL is BABBITT METALS