Word: Reinforced Concrete
Definition:
Reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that has metal bars (called rebar) or a mesh of wires added to it. This extra material makes the concrete stronger and helps it resist breaking or cracking when it is under pressure or stress.
Usage Instructions:
Use "reinforced concrete" when talking about construction, architecture, or materials used in building things. It’s often used in the context of making buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Example Sentence:
"The bridge was built using reinforced concrete to ensure it could support heavy traffic without collapsing."
Advanced Usage:
In engineering and construction discussions, you might encounter terms like "tensile strength" or "compressive strength," which refer to how much force the reinforced concrete can withstand. You might say, "The tensile strength of reinforced concrete makes it ideal for skyscrapers."
Word Variants:
- "Reinforce" (verb): To make something stronger.
- "Reinforcement" (noun): The act of making something stronger or more effective.
Different Meanings:
While "reinforced concrete" specifically refers to a building material, the verb "reinforce" can be used in different contexts. For example, you might "reinforce" a lesson by giving extra examples or support.
Synonyms:
- Strengthened concrete
- Composite concrete
- Steel-reinforced concrete
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related directly to "reinforced concrete," you might hear phrases like "reinforce the point" in discussions, meaning to emphasize or strengthen an argument or idea.