The spelling of "reduced iron" is relatively straightforward, with each word having its own distinct pronunciation. "Reduced" is pronounced as [rɪˈdjuːst], with the initial syllable stressed and the "d" and "j" sounds blending together. "Iron" is pronounced as [ˈaɪərn], with the stress on the final syllable and a long "i" sound at the beginning. Together, the two words refer to iron that has been stripped of impurities through a chemical reduction process.
Reduced iron refers to a type of iron that has been chemically processed to significantly reduce its oxygen content. It is derived from iron ore and undergoes a reduction process, resulting in a product with a high iron content and low impurities.
The reduction process typically involves the use of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases, which react with the iron ore at high temperatures to remove the oxygen. This reduction reaction converts the iron oxide present in the ore into metallic iron, leaving behind other impurities in a solid form called slag. The reduced iron is then collected and further processed to meet specific purity and particle size requirements.
Reduced iron is commonly used in various industrial applications, including steelmaking. It serves as a vital raw material in the production of steel, where it is melted and alloyed with other elements to create different types of steel with specific properties. The reduced iron provides the necessary iron content in the steelmaking process and contributes to the overall strength, durability, and magnetic properties of the final product.
Additionally, reduced iron finds applications in other industries, such as the manufacturing of automotive parts, construction materials, and machinery. Due to its high iron content and low impurities, reduced iron offers excellent machinability, weldability, and formability, making it a preferred choice for many manufacturing processes.
In summary, reduced iron is a chemically processed form of iron that has undergone a reduction reaction to reduce its oxygen content. It is widely used in industries such as steelmaking, automotive, construction, and machinery manufacturing for its high purity and desirable physical properties.
Ferrum reductum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "reduced iron" does not have a specific etymology as it is a compound word consisting of the adjective "reduced" and the noun "iron". However, we can examine the individual origins of each component:
1. Reduced: In this context, "reduced" is the past participle of the verb "reduce". It comes from the Latin word "reducere", which is derived from the prefix "re-" meaning "back" and the verb "ducere" meaning "to lead". "Reducere" originally meant "to bring back", and over time, its meaning evolved to include the sense of "to diminish", "to lessen", or "to simplify".
2. Iron: The word "iron" traces its roots back to Old English "īsern", which can be related to similar words in other Germanic languages such as Old High German "īsan" and Old Norse "jarn".