eutectic

Definition

Describing the chemical composition or temperature of a mixture of substances that gives the lowest temperature at which the mixture becomes fully molten. A further requirement is that that temperature is lower than the melting point of any of the pure component substances.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek εὔτηκτος (eútēktos, “easily melted”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + τήκω (tḗkō, “to melt”). Coined as an adjective (along with the noun eutexia) by British scientist Frederick Guthrie in 1884.

Example Sentences

• "For a mixture with two components at a fixed pressure, the eutectic reaction can only happen at a fixed chemical composition and temperature, called the eutectic point."