thermite
/ˈθɜːrmaɪt/
noun
- A pyrotechnic composition of metal powder and metal oxide that produces extremely high temperatures when ignited, used in welding and as an incendiary.
- Thermite is often used to weld railroad rails because it creates a very strong joint.
- Firefighters must be careful around thermite because it burns even without oxygen.
- The chemistry teacher demonstrated a small thermite reaction in a safe container.