Melter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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melter

[หˆmษ›ltษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

industrial process

A melter is a device or machine used to heat and liquefy materials, such as metals or glass, by raising their temperature to the melting point. This process is crucial in various manufacturing industries where raw materials need to be transformed into a molten state for further processing or shaping.

Synonyms

furnace, melting pot, recycler.

Examples of usage

  • The metal melter operates at extremely high temperatures.
  • Glass manufacturers rely on advanced melter technology.
  • The melter was essential for recycling scrap metal.
  • In the metal industry, a melter is a key piece of equipment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Melting occurs at a specific temperature known as the 'melting point,' which varies for different materials.
  • When a solid melts, it absorbs heat and changes its state from solid to liquid without changing its chemical composition.
  • In chemistry, the process of melting is reversible, meaning a liquid can solidify again once cooled.

Art

  • In sculpting or glass making, melters are vital for transforming raw materials into liquid states to shape new artworks.
  • Some artists use a melter to create mixed media pieces, where different materials blend seamlessly.
  • The melting of wax in candle-making is a deliberate artistic process that allows for varied textures and colors.

Technology

  • In manufacturing, melters are used in processes like recycling plastics by melting them down for reuse.
  • The development of advanced melters has greatly improved energy efficiency in industries such as metal casting.
  • In 3D printing, materials often need to be melted to create layers of objects, making melters a crucial component in this technology.

Pop Culture

  • In some movies, characters referred to as 'melters' have powers to dissolve or liquefy objects at will, often depicting them as antagonists.
  • The term is popularly used in music, signifying something that has a softening or emotional effect, such as a 'melting' love song.
  • Animated characters can be shown as 'melters' when they encounter heat, showcasing humor as they comically change shape.

Origin of 'melter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'meltan,' which means to soften or dissolve through heat.
  • Related words include 'melting,' which describes the process of changing solids to liquids, and 'melted,' which refers to the state after melting.
  • The suffix '-er' typically indicates a person or an object that performs an action, in this case, the action of melting.

The term 'melter' derives from the verb 'melt,' which comes from the Old English 'meltan,' meaning 'to soften, dissolve, or liquefy.' The origin of 'meltan' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *meltanฤ…, which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages. The suffix '-er' is used in English to denote a person or thing that performs an action, hence 'melter' refers to a machine or device that performs the action of melting. Over time, the application of the term has expanded beyond just referring to a person who melts substances to include industrial machines used in manufacturing processes. In modern industry, melters play a crucial role in recycling, metallurgy, and glass-making, reflecting the evolving nature of language as technology advanced.