skutterudite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Academic/Specialist)Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “skutterudite” mean?
A rare mineral containing cobalt, nickel, and arsenic, often used as a source of cobalt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare mineral containing cobalt, nickel, and arsenic, often used as a source of cobalt.
In mineralogy, a cubic arsenide mineral, (Co,Ni)As₃, that forms metallic gray crystals. It is the parent structure for a class of advanced thermoelectric materials known as 'filled skutterudites'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in usage, spelling, or pronunciation.
Connotations
No differential connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “skutterudite” in a Sentence
the [adjective] skutteruditeskutterudite is a [noun]skutterudite from [location]skutterudite doped with [element]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skutterudite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The skutterudite structure is highly symmetrical.
- They studied the skutterudite samples from Cornwall.
American English
- The skutterudite structure is highly symmetrical.
- They analyzed the skutterudite specimens from Idaho.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Exclusively in the context of mining reports or trade in rare minerals/metals.
Academic
Primary context. Used in geology, mineralogy, and materials science papers discussing crystal structures or thermoelectric properties.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The standard context. Used in technical reports on mineral deposits, crystallography, or advanced materials engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skutterudite”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skutterudite”
- Incorrect spelling: 'scutterudite', 'skuterudite', 'skutterrudite'. Mispronouncing the first syllable as /skuː/ (like 'scooter') instead of /skʌ/ (like 'skull').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily as an ore of cobalt, which is a strategically important metal.
It is named after the Skutterud mine in Modum, Buskerud, Norway, where it was first identified.
No. It is a specialist geological term. You would only encounter it in specific scientific or industrial contexts.
They can convert heat directly into electricity with high efficiency, making them promising for power generation and refrigeration applications.
A rare mineral containing cobalt, nickel, and arsenic, often used as a source of cobalt.
Skutterudite is usually technical / scientific in register.
Skutterudite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskʌtərəˌdaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskʌtərəˌdaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Scottish 'skirt' (skut-) that 'terribly' (-ter-) 'delights' (-dite) a geologist because it's full of cobalt.
Conceptual Metaphor
A building block (for advanced materials); a treasure chest (for valuable cobalt).
Practice
Quiz
What is skutterudite primarily known as?