What is "austenite"

austenite \austenite\ n. (Metallurgy) [From W. C. Roberts-Austen, an English metallurgist.] a solid solution of ferric carbide or carbon in iron; -- it cools to form pearlite or martensite.

Etymology 1 alt. (context metallurgy English) (alternative spelling of austenite English) n. (context metallurgy English) (alternative spelling of austenite English) Etymology 2

n. a fan or admirer of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane%20Austen; someone who studies the works of Jane Austen.

n. a solid solution of ferric carbide or carbon in iron; cools to form pearlite or martensite

Austenite, also known as gamma-phase iron (γ-Fe), is a metallic, non-magnetic allotrope of iron or a solid solution of iron, with an alloying element. In plain-carbon steel, austenite exists above the critical eutectoid temperature of ; other alloys of steel have different eutectoid temperatures. It is named after Sir William Chandler Roberts-Austen (1843–1902).