What does tempered glass mean Meaning and Definition
What does tempered glass mean
Pronunciation
/ˈtɛm.pərd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of safety glass that is processed by a special heat treatment called tempering, which increases its strength and prevents it from shattering into sharp pieces in the event of breakage.
Examples
- The phone screen was made of tempered glass for added protection.
Synonyms
- Strengthened glass
- Safety glass
Antonyms
- Regular glass
- Un tempered glass
Additional Information
Tempered glass is often used in applications where safety is a concern, such as in cars, buildings, and furniture. The tempering process involves heating the glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it, which causes the glass to compress on the surface and expand on the interior. This process makes the glass up to five times stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is also less likely to shatter into sharp pieces, making it a safer choice for applications where there is a risk of breakage.
The benefits of tempered glass include its increased strength, safety, and durability. It is also resistant to thermal stress and can withstand extreme temperatures. Additionally, tempered glass is often used in architectural applications, such as buildings and skyscrapers, due to its ability to withstand natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.
Etymology
The word “tempered” comes from the Latin “temperare,” meaning “to mix” or “to control.”
Usage Notes
Tempered glass is often used in technical contexts, such as in construction and engineering. It is also used in everyday language to describe glass products that are designed to be stronger and safer than regular glass.
Cultural References
Tempered glass has been featured in several movies and TV shows, often as a symbol of high-tech innovation and safety. For example, in the 2013 movie “Iron Man 3,” Tony Stark uses tempered glass to create a mask that protects him from attacks.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Tempered glass” is often used as a metaphor for strength and resilience in everyday language. For example, someone might say, “She’s a tempered glass person, she can withstand any challenge.”
Related Words or Phrases
Lexan, glass, safety glass, strengthened glass, laminated glass
Collocations
collocations: tempered glass windows, tempered glass doors, tempered glass tables, tempered glass car screens
Frequency of Use
Tempered glass is a commonly used term in modern language, particularly in technical and safety contexts.
Common Misspellings
tempterred glass, tempered glassy, temprered glass