word

Aerogel

AIR-oh-jel

/ˈɛəroʊdʒɛl/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

aerogel

Dictionary meaning

An ultralight synthetic porous material derived from a gel by replacing the liquid component with gas, resulting in extremely low density and thermal conductivity

History and origin

Greek aer (air) + Latin gelu (frost/gel) — coined in the 1930s by Samuel Kistler

Examples

Silica aerogel is used as thermal insulation in Mars rover instruments.
Aerogel holds the record for lowest density solid material ever created.

Pronunciation tips

Stress is on the first syllable: AIR-oh-jel

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