1. A solid solution of carbon in iron that exists at high temperatures and is the basis of steel; characterized by a face-centered cubic crystal structure.
Usage: technical; metallurgy

Examples

• Austenite is stable in steel at temperatures above 723 degrees Celsius.
• The transformation of austenite to ferrite occurs during the cooling of steel.
• High-manganese steels can retain austenite at room temperature.
• Engineers study austenite to understand the heat treatment of steel.
• The crystal structure of austenite differs significantly from that of martensite.