alnico: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/Technical)Technical, Industrial
Quick answer
What does “alnico” mean?
A type of permanent magnet alloy made of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, known for its strong magnetic properties and resistance to demagnetization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of permanent magnet alloy made of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, known for its strong magnetic properties and resistance to demagnetization.
In industrial and engineering contexts, refers to the material itself or to components (like speakers or sensors) made from this alloy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is technical and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. Connotes mid-20th century manufacturing, vintage audio equipment (e.g., guitar pickups), and robust industrial design.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to engineering, physics, manufacturing, and vintage audio/hobbyist circles.
Grammar
How to Use “alnico” in a Sentence
[Noun] made of/from alnico[Noun] with an alnico corean alnico [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alnico” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The craftsman sourced vintage alnico for the restoration of the 1960s loudspeaker.
- This specification calls for the rotor to be made from sintered alnico.
American English
- The guitar's distinctive tone comes from its original alnico pickups.
- We're switching from ferrite to alnico for this motor component due to its thermal stability.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement or manufacturing sectors dealing with magnetic components.
Academic
Used in materials science, physics, and engineering papers discussing magnetic properties or historical technologies.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Possibly encountered by musicians discussing vintage guitar pickups.
Technical
Primary domain. Specifies the exact material composition for magnets in design schematics, part descriptions, and engineering specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alnico”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alnico”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alnico”
- Using 'an alnico' as a countable noun (e.g., 'I need three alnicos' is incorrect; say 'three alnico magnets').
- Misspelling as 'alnicoe' or 'alnicow'.
- Confusing it with 'ferrite' or 'neodymium' (other magnet types).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It originated as a trade name but is now a generic term for a class of iron alloys primarily composed of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt.
Generally, no. Modern neodymium (rare-earth) magnets have a significantly higher maximum energy product. Alnico's advantages lie in its temperature stability and classic tonal qualities in audio applications.
The earliest and most iconic electric guitar pickups (e.g., Fender Stratocaster and Gibson PAF humbuckers) used alnico magnets. Their specific magnetic field and saturation characteristics are integral to that celebrated 'vintage' tone.
Typically, it is not capitalized in modern usage, reflecting its transition from a trade name to a common noun, similar to 'nylon' or 'plexiglass'.
A type of permanent magnet alloy made of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, known for its strong magnetic properties and resistance to demagnetization.
Alnico is usually technical, industrial in register.
Alnico: in British English it is pronounced /ˈalnɪkəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælnɪˌkoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As reliable as alnico”
- “An alnico grip (metaphorical for a very strong hold)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the composition: ALuminum, NIckel, and CObalt. 'Al-Ni-Co' contracts to 'Alnico'.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS MAGNETIC ATTRACTION; DURABILITY IS RESISTANCE TO CHANGE. 'His influence was alnico, unwavering and powerful.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern advantage of alnico alloys in certain applications?