sinter

American  

[sin-ter] / ˈsɪn tər /

noun

1. siliceous or calcareous matter deposited by springs, as that formed around the vent of a geyser.

2. Metallurgy. the product of a sintering operation.

---

verb (used with object)

1. Metallurgy. to bring about agglomeration in (metal particles) by heating.

sinter British  

/ ˈsɪntə /

noun

1. a whitish porous incrustation, usually consisting of silica, that is deposited from hot springs

2. the product of a sintering process

3. another name for cinder

---

verb

1. (tr) to form large particles, lumps, or masses from (metal powders or powdery ores) by heating or pressure or both

Etymology

Origin of sinter

1770–80; < German: dross; cinder

Example Sentences

The works technical manager for the coke, sinter and iron department added: "Working in this industry, the scale of it is absolutely huge. It is still very impressive every time I go in there."

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2024

For example, the bases of the geysers in Yellowstone National Park are surrounded by silica deposits called geyserite or sinter.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

While geysers of this reported size and location are unusual, the area is famous for geothermal activity, drawing tourists to what Visit Rotorua describes as "its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and colourful sinter terraces".

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2016

Carl leaned over the spring and pointed toward gray, pearl-like beads: “geyser eggs,” small encrustations of silica deposits called sinter, or geyserite, that line steam vents and springs.

From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2011

In a deep recess or alcove on one side a spring of clear water gushed from the rock into a natural basin of sinter, enamelled inside and out with the precious opal.

From A Trip to Venus by Munro, John