ferrite

American  

[fer-ahyt] / ˈfɛr aɪt /

noun

1. Chemistry. a compound, as NaFeO 2 , formed when ferric oxide is combined with a more basic metallic oxide.

2. Metallurgy. the pure iron constituent of ferrous metals, as distinguished from the iron carbides.

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ferrite British  

/ ˈfɛraɪt /

noun

1. any of a group of ferromagnetic highly resistive ceramic compounds with the formula MFe 2 O 4 , where M is usually a metal such as cobalt or zinc

2. any of the body-centred cubic allotropes of iron, such as alpha iron, occurring in steel, cast iron, etc

3. any of various microscopic grains, probably composed of iron compounds, in certain igneous rocks

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Etymology

Origin of ferrite

1875–80; < Latin ferr ( um ) iron + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

When a ferrite—a nonmetallic material with magnetic properties—is subject to a constant magnetic field, its molecules sustain tiny circulating currents that rotate with a handedness determined by the magnetic field orientation.

From Scientific American

Cobalt ferrite, PMN-PT and yttrium iron garnet have different crystal structures, making it difficult to stack these materials by the usual growth scheme without such clamping.

From Nature

Intriguingly, they observed that the thin film of bismuth ferrite undergoes an unexpected phase transition to form a different crystal lattice.

From Nature

Decent speakers can be two feet high with heavy ferrite magnet drivers hidden by gossamer cloth grilles.

From New York Times

So, to conform to international regulations, they are looking at including a ferrite and copper shield between the coil and someone’s skin, which is necessary on devices like a fitness band or smartwatch.

From Economist