Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'amalgam'

English Word: amalgam

Key Russian Translations:

• амальгама [ɐˈmalɡɐmə] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and not commonly used in everyday conversation, primarily in scientific or technical contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic Russian grammar, as it is a borrowed word with standard noun inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

амальгама: [ɐˈmalɡɐmə]

Note on амальгама: The stress falls on the second syllable ('mal'). Be cautious with the 'г' sound, which is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go" but softer in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A mixture or alloy, especially of mercury with another metal (e.g., in dentistry or chemistry).

Translation(s) & Context:

• амальгама - Used in formal, technical contexts such as scientific discussions or medical settings to refer to a mercury-based alloy.

Usage Examples:

• В стоматологии амальгама часто используется для пломбирования зубов из-за её долговечности.

  In dentistry, amalgam is often used for tooth fillings due to its durability.

• Химики изучают свойства амальгамы для создания новых материалов.

  Chemists study the properties of amalgam to create new materials.

• Из-за экологических проблем, амальгама с ртутью постепенно выходит из употребления в современной медицине.

  Due to environmental concerns, mercury-based amalgam is gradually falling out of use in modern medicine.

• Амальгама может образовываться при смешивании металлов, как в лабораторных экспериментах.

  Amalgam can form when metals are mixed, as in laboratory experiments.

• В исторических текстах амальгама упоминается как важный элемент в алхимии.

  In historical texts, amalgam is mentioned as an important element in alchemy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Амальгама" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сплав (alloy; more general term, often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts)
  • смесь (mixture; implies a less specific combination)
• Antonyms:
  • чистый металл (pure metal; refers to an unalloyed substance)

Related Phrases:

• зубная амальгама - Dental amalgam; a common phrase in medical contexts referring to fillings in teeth.
• амальгама ртути - Mercury amalgam; used in chemistry to specify the type involving mercury.
• амальгама в алхимии - Amalgam in alchemy; a historical or cultural reference to its use in ancient practices.

Usage Notes:

"Амальгама" directly corresponds to the English "amalgam" as a technical term, particularly in scientific and medical fields. It is typically used in formal writing or speech and should be avoided in casual conversations. When choosing between translations like "амальгама" and "сплав", opt for "амальгама" when specifying mercury-based alloys. Grammatically, always treat it as a feminine noun and adjust adjectives accordingly (e.g., "хорошая амальгама" for "good amalgam"). Be mindful of context: in modern Russian, environmental concerns may lead to discussions about phasing out mercury-based versions.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "амальгама" with "сплав": Learners might overuse "сплав" for all alloys, but "амальгама" specifically implies mercury involvement. Incorrect: "Этот сплав содержит ртуть" (when "амальгама" is more precise). Correct: "Эта амальгама содержит ртуть". Explanation: "Амальгама" highlights the chemical process, while "сплав" is broader.

• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "амальгама" in the genitive instead of "амальгамы". Incorrect: "Я видел амальгама" (should be "амальгаму" in accusative). Correct: "Я видел амальгаму". Explanation: Russian nouns require case agreement, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "амальгама" has roots in alchemy and early chemistry, symbolizing transformation and mixture. It appears in literature and scientific texts from the 18th century onward, reflecting Russia's advancements in metallurgy. Today, it carries connotations of outdated practices due to health risks, often discussed in environmental debates.

Related Concepts:

• сплав
• смесь
• ртуть
• пломба