: a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide (such as iron oxide) that when ignited evolves a great deal of heat and is used in welding and in incendiary bombs

Examples of thermite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In early September, Ukrainian forces began deploying hovering drones equipped with tanks full of thermite, a metal incendiary that sprays like a liquid and burns as hot as 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. David Axe, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Officers also discovered a lighter, hat, mask and gloves used during the crime and a bag of thermite. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

therm- + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermite was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near thermite

Cite this Entry

“Thermite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermite. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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