ScienceJuly 13, 2026
microstructure
/ˈmaɪkroʊˌstrʌktʃər/
Definition
The precise, small-scale arrangement and organization of atoms and crystals within a solid material that influences its physical and chemical properties.
Etymology
The word is a combination of the Greek 'mikros' meaning small, and the Latin 'structura' meaning a building or arrangement. It entered English in the late 19th century to describe the detailed, microscopic composition of substances.
In the news
In this article, microstructure refers to how chromium atoms are ordered within a metal alloy. Researchers found that specific atomic patterns at this level can create internal pathways that accelerate corrosion in nuclear reactors.
Metals’ atomic arrangement can create ‘corrosion highways’ in nuclear reactors
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!