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

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Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025

They don’t do well with the rapid and repeated thermal shock when you build a roaring fire on a cool or cold afternoon.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Garmin Instinct Tactical $200 $300 34% off Garmin’s Instinct Tactical is designed to meet military-spec standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance.

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

Some food storage containers are made from borosilicate glass because it’s resistant to thermal shock.

From Slate • Sep. 7, 2018