cementite
(sɪˈmɛntaɪt)
[f. cement n. + -ite1.]
A hard and brittle carbide of iron, Fe3C.
| 1888 H. M. Howe in Engin. & Mining Jrnl. 18 Aug. 132 Minerals which compose iron. Name suggested here..Cementite. Iron with cement carbon. Ibid. 25 Aug. 154/1 Cementite..appears to be intensely hard, brilliant, homogeneous, structureless carbide of iron, containing the whole of the cement carbon. 1889 [see pearlite 2]. 1922 C. H. Desch Metallography (ed. 3) xvii. 373 The carbide, cementite, Fe3C, is the only compound of carbon and iron which has yet been recognized by microscopical means. |