eutectic

eu·tec·tic  (y-tktk)

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or formed at the lowest possible temperature of solidification for any mixture of specified constituents. Used especially of an alloy whose melting point is lower than that of any other alloy composed of the same constituents in different proportions.

2. Exhibiting the constitution or properties of such a solid.

n.

1. A eutectic mixture, solution, or alloy.

2. The eutectic temperature.

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[From Greek eutktos, easily melted : eu-, eu- + tktos, melted (from tkein, to melt).]

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eutectic  (y-tktk) 1. The proportion of constituents in an alloy or other mixture that yields the lowest possible complete melting point. In all other proportions, the mixture will not have a uniform melting point; some of the mixture will remain solid and some liquid. At the eutectic, the solidus and liquidus temperatures are the same. 2. An alloy or other mixture with constituents in the proportions of the eutectic. 3. The melting point of the eutectic.

eutectic Substance X consists of two components, A and B (approximately 80% A and 20% B). Above the liquidus (the temperature at which the first solid begins to form) both components are liquid. As the temperature drops to the liquidus, component A starts to solidify, and the remaining liquid becomes less rich in component A and more rich in component B. When the temperature has dropped to the solidus, which is the same as the eutectic temperature, solid B starts to form as well. Below the solidus, the entire mixture is solid. A liquid of composition Y (consisting of approximately 80% B and 20% A) would cool in a similar manner, but with solid B forming first. A mixture of eutectic proportions is always either entirely solid or entirely liquid.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

eutectic - a mixture of substances having a minimum melting point mixture - (chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)