misch metal
/mɪʃ
/noun [mass noun]
An alloy of cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earth metals, used as an additive in various alloys, e.g. in flints for cigarette lighters.One of the oldest use of lanthanum metal is in the production of misch metal, an alloy that produces sparks when struck....
- Impure lanthanum is used in alloys such as misch metal, of which lanthanum is a major constituent.
- Neodymium is present in misch metal to the extent of about 18%.
Origin
1920s: from German Mischmetall, from mischen 'to mix' + Metall 'metal'.