3 results for: Alloyed

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

al·loy Audio Help (āl'oi', ə-loi') Pronunciation Key
n.

A homogeneous mixture or solid solution of two or more metals, the atoms of one replacing or occupying interstitial positions between the atoms of the other: Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper.
A mixture; an amalgam: "Television news has . . . always been an alloy of journalism and show business" (Bill Moyers).
The relative degree of mixture with a base metal; fineness.
Something added that lowers value or purity.

tr.v. (ə-loi', āl'oi') al·loyed, al·loy·ing, al·loys

To combine (metals) to form an alloy.
To combine; mix: idealism that was alloyed with political skill.
To debase by the addition of an inferior element.

[Alteration (influenced by French aloi) of obsolete allay, from Middle English alay, from Old North French allai, from allayer, to alloy, from Latin alligāre, to bind : ad-, ad- + ligāre, to bind; see leig- in Indo-European roots.]

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Alloyed

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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

alloyed
adjective
1.	(used of metals) debased by mixture with an inferior element
2.	(used of metals) blended to obtain a desired property

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