Definition
A composite material made by combining ceramic particles with a metal binder, producing a substance that retains the hardness and heat resistance of ceramic while gaining some of the toughness and machinability of metal. Cermets are used in aviation applications that demand resistance to high temperatures and wear, such as turbine engine components, brake materials, and certain electrical resistors.
Plain English
A man-made material that is part ceramic and part metal. The ceramic part makes it hard and able to handle very high heat. The metal part keeps it from being as brittle as pure ceramic.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and materials discussions, especially around high-temperature or high-wear parts.
Derivation
The word is a blend of 'ceramic' and 'metal' — literally cer(amic) + met(al). Knowing this makes the meaning easy to remember: it is exactly what the name says it is.
Why Pilots Care
Cermet allows engine parts to survive temperatures and wear that would quickly damage ordinary metals or ceramics.
Intuition Check
Do not read cermet as just ceramic or just metal. It is a combined material designed to get useful qualities from both.
Example Sentence 1
The turbine blades use a cermet coating to resist the extreme heat inside the engine.
Example Sentence 2
During overhaul the technician inspected the cermet seals for cracks caused by thermal stress.