sinter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / SpecializedTechnical, Industrial, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sinter” mean?
to coalesce or compact a powdered material (especially metal ore or ceramic) by heating it to a temperature below its melting point, causing particles to bond together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to coalesce or compact a powdered material (especially metal ore or ceramic) by heating it to a temperature below its melting point, causing particles to bond together.
1. The resulting coherent mass formed by the sintering process. 2. In geology, a mineral deposit (especially silica) precipitated from a hot spring or geyser. 3. In snow science, the process by which snow grains bond to form firn.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more frequent in British engineering texts referring to 'sintered metal' components.
Connotations
Neutral industrial/process term in both variants.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse; exclusive to technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sinter” in a Sentence
[material] sinters (intransitive)sinter [material/powder] (transitive)[material] is sintered (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sinter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ceramic powder will sinter at that temperature.
- They sinter the iron ore fines to produce a feedstock for the blast furnace.
American English
- We need to sinter this composite material under a controlled atmosphere.
- The layer of snow began to sinter overnight, forming a crust.
adverb
British English
- The material was sintered slowly to avoid warping.
- The particles bond sinteringly via solid-state diffusion.
American English
- The compact was heated sinteringly to achieve full density.
- The coating was applied and then sintered on.
adjective
British English
- The sintered bronze bushings require no additional lubrication.
- Sinter plant operations were halted for maintenance.
American English
- Sintered metal filters are used in high-temperature applications.
- The part is made from a sintered alloy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports for metallurgy, manufacturing, or mining sectors, e.g., 'The new sinter plant will improve efficiency.'
Academic
Common in materials science, geology, and chemical engineering papers, e.g., 'The powder was sintered at 1400°C for two hours.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in powder metallurgy, ceramics processing, and certain geological descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sinter”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sinter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sinter”
- Confusing 'sinter' with 'sintering' (process vs. result).
- Using 'melt' instead of 'sinter'.
- Misspelling as 'cinter' or 'sintere'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sintering bonds particles together at temperatures below the material's melting point via diffusion. Melting involves turning the material into a liquid.
Yes. As a noun, it refers to 1) the porous mass produced by sintering metal or ceramic powders, or 2) a siliceous or calcareous deposit from a mineral spring.
Powder metallurgy, ceramics manufacturing, mining (iron ore agglomeration), geology, and increasingly in 3D printing (metal additive manufacturing).
Comminution or pulverization—the breaking down of a solid material into fine particles.
to coalesce or compact a powdered material (especially metal ore or ceramic) by heating it to a temperature below its melting point, causing particles to bond together.
Sinter is usually technical, industrial, scientific in register.
Sinter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. Term is strictly technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SINTER as 'Solid INTERaction'—particles interacting to become solid without melting.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLIDITY FROM PRESSURE AND HEAT: A process where unity and strength are created through controlled application of energy and pressure, not by complete dissolution.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'sinter' as a verb?