braze: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Industrial
Quick answer
What does “braze” mean?
To join two metal pieces together using a hard solder with a high melting point (usually brass).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To join two metal pieces together using a hard solder with a high melting point (usually brass).
To make something strong, hard, or bold, as if by brazing; to face or cover with brass.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both use it in the same technical contexts.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The archaic sense is equally rare in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, confined to technical manuals, engineering, and metalworking contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “braze” in a Sentence
[sb] braze [sth] (together)[sb] braze [sth] to/onto [sth][sth] is brazedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “braze” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You'll need a special torch to braze the copper fittings.
- The components were brazed in our Coventry workshop.
American English
- The plumber will braze the joint for a stronger seal.
- This assembly is designed to be brazed, not welded.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- The brazed joint held under immense pressure.
- We offer a brazing service for bicycle frames.
American English
- A properly brazed connection is leak-proof.
- Check the brazing alloy specification before you start.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like manufacturing or fabrication supply.
Academic
Used in engineering, materials science, and history of technology texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core usage domain. Refers to a specific high-temperature joining process distinct from welding or soft soldering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “braze”
- Confusing it with 'braise' (a cooking method). Misspelling as 'breeze'. Using it as a general synonym for 'glue' or 'stick'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In welding, the base metals are melted to fuse together. In brazing, only the filler metal (with a lower melting point) is melted, flowing into the gap between the closely fitted base metals.
No, it is a specialised technical term used almost exclusively in metalworking, engineering, and related trades.
Yes, it is a common homophone for 'braise' (a cooking method using moist heat). Context is key to distinguishing them.
Yes, etymologically. It comes from the Old French 'braser', related to 'brass', as brass was a common material used in early brazing alloys.
To join two metal pieces together using a hard solder with a high melting point (usually brass).
Braze is usually technical/industrial in register.
Braze: in British English it is pronounced /breɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /breɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'braze' as using 'brass' to 'raise' the melting point needed to join metals.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS A METALLIC BOND (for the archaic sense: to make bold or hardy).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the PRIMARY meaning of 'braze'?