ferrite

noun

fer·​rite ˈfer-ˌīt How to pronounce ferrite (audio)
1
: any of several magnetic substances that consist essentially of ferric oxide combined with the oxides of one or more other metals (such as manganese, nickel, or zinc), have high magnetic permeability and high electrical resistivity, and are used especially in electronic devices
2
: a solid solution in which alpha iron is the solvent
ferritic adjective

Examples of ferrite 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.
This produces islands of austenite surrounded by a matrix of softer ferrite, with regions of harder bainite and martensite. John Johnson Jr., Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 The Hong Kong team have now developed a whole-body ULF MRI scanner in which patients are placed between two permanent neodymium ferrite boron magnet plates—one above the body and the other below. IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2024 Iron Ball consists of tiny spheres coated in ferrite or carbonyl iron suspended in epoxy paint. David Hambling, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 This innovative product, packed with over 500 ferrite stones, molds together like putty, providing a tactile and engaging experience. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023 However, as Wired also notes, ferrite has about one-tenth the magnetic strength of neodymium, meaning any ferrite magnet will likely need to be larger and heavier than its predecessor. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023 Among the non-rare-earth permanent magnets invented so far, only two are in large-scale production: ferrites and another type called Alnico (aluminum nickel cobalt). IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2023 According to Wired, a leading candidate to replace neodymium is likely ferrite, a ceramic iron-oxide compound found in a variety of electronics. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023 Among experts willing to speculate, the choice was unanimous: ferrite magnets. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferrite was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near ferrite

Cite this Entry

“Ferrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferrite. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ferrite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!