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thermal shock

British  

noun

  1. a fluctuation in temperature causing stress in a material. It often results in fracture, esp in brittle materials such as ceramics

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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He said the Eaton fire had thrown them into thermal shock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2025

The Garmin Instinct Tactical fitness tracker has some specs to prove it, meeting military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance — meaning it’s designed to take a lot of punishment.

From The Verge ● May 18, 2022

The thermal shock, especially on cold winter days and nights when the flue liner would be quite cold, most likely caused the tiles to crack.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 7, 2021

Scientists say that the thermal shock results in the release of water vapor plumes loaded with hydrochloric acid and tiny particles of volcanic glass that can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 27, 2021

The work will be long and onerous, beginning with the rush to stabilize the walls and windows weakened from thermal shock.

From Slate ● Apr. 17, 2019

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