misch metal

[ mish ]

noun

1. a pyrophoric alloy, containing approximately 50 percent cerium and 45 percent lanthanum, made from a mixture of various rare-earth chlorides by electrolysis.

misch metal

/ mɪʃ /

noun

1. an alloy of cerium and other rare earth metals, used esp as a flint in cigarette lighters

Word History and Origins

Origin of misch metal¹

1920–25; < German Mischmetall, equivalent to misch ( en ) to mix + Metall metal

Word History and Origins

Origin of misch metal¹

C20: from German Mischmetall, from mischen to mix