babbitt metal

noun

variants or less commonly babbit metal
sometimes capitalized B
: either of two alloys used for lining bearings:
a
: a tin-base alloy
especially : one containing 2 to 8 percent copper and 5 to 15 percent antimony
b
: a lead-base alloy containing 1 to 10 percent tin and 10 to 15 percent antimony with or without some arsenic

Word History

Etymology

after Isaac Babbitt †1862 American inventor

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of babbitt metal was in 1850

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near babbitt metal

Cite this Entry

“Babbitt metal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/babbitt%20metal. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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