Babbitt metal

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.

Babbitt metal

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Babbitt metal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Babbitt metal¹

C19: named after Isaac Babbitt (1799–1862), American inventor

Example Sentences

In some cases cast-iron boxes are cast with a receptacle for some soft metal, such as the various compound metals known under the general name of Babbitt metal.

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He has invented a process for making a substitute for Babbitt metal.”

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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.

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Babbitt metal is also worked dry, ordinarily, although kerosene or turpentine is sometimes used when boring or reaming.

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Babbitt metal, used for journal bearings in machinery, contains the same metals in a different proportion together with a small percentage of copper.

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