An alloy of copper and nickel used in electrical resistance wire and thermocouples because of its stable resistance across temperature changes.
Named from 'constant' (referring to its constant electrical resistance) + -an (material suffix). The alloy was developed in the late 19th century and named for its desirable stability.
Constantan's name literally promises 'constant-ness'—scientists named it after its main selling point because it doesn't change resistance when heated, making it perfect for precision instruments like thermometers.
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