BSCCO

noun

ˈbi-(ˌ)skō 

: any of various compounds of bismuth, strontium, calcium, copper, and oxygen that exhibit superconductivity at much higher temperatures than other materials

The main component of the … devices now beginning to prove themselves is wire made with compounds of bismuth, strontium, calcium, copper, and oxygen. These materials are generically known as BSCCO (pronounced bisco).

—Peter Weiss, Science News, 18 Nov. 2000

Note: BSCCO can show signs of superconductivity at about 130 K (−225° F) compared to a typical temperature of about 30 kelvin (−406° F).

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

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