Babbitt metal

American  

Also babbitt metal,

noun

Metallurgy.

1. any of various alloys of tin with smaller amounts of antimony and copper, used as an antifriction lining for bearings.

2. any of various similar alloys.

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Babbitt metal British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: Babbitt.  any of a number of alloys originally based on tin, antimony, and copper but now often including lead: used esp in bearings

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Etymology

Origin of Babbitt metal

1870–75, named after Isaac Babbitt (1799–1862), American inventor

Example Sentences

Tin is indispensable for Babbitt metal and bronze used in aircraft and automobile engines.

From Time Magazine Archive

The spindles d are of 17⁄8 hammered tool steel accurately turned and fitted in the boxes, which are of extra length, and lined with the best genuine Babbitt metal.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

The pieces of the tail stock and tool rest support are fitted to the bars by means of Babbitt metal, the metal being poured first in one half and then in the other.

From Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.?No. 24. [New Series.], December 14, 1878 A Weekly Journal Of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, And Manufactures by Various

After fitting the parts to the two bars by means of Babbitt metal, the tail spindle, which is threaded for half its length, is placed in the tail stock parallel with the bars and Babbitted.

From Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.?No. 24. [New Series.], December 14, 1878 A Weekly Journal Of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, And Manufactures by Various

They are particularly short of Babbitt metal and boiler tubes.

From The Crisis in Russia by Ransome, Arthur