metal
any of a class of elementary substances, as gold, silver, or copper, all of which are crystalline when solid and many of which are characterized by opacity, ductility, conductivity, and a unique luster when freshly fractured.
Chemistry.
such a substance in its pure state, as distinguished from alloys.
an element yielding positively charged ions in aqueous solutions of its salts.
an alloy or mixture composed wholly or partly of such substances, as brass.
an object made of metal.
formative material; stuff.
Printing.
the state of being set in type.
molten glass in the pot or melting tank.
British. road metal.
to furnish or cover with metal.
British. to pave or surface (a road) with broken stone.
Origin of metal
1Other words from metal
- met·al·like, adjective
- un·met·aled, adjective
- un·met·alled, adjective
Words that may be confused with metal
Other definitions for metal. (2 of 2)
metallurgical.
metallurgy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use metal in a sentence
Oxygen is an extremely reactive chemical, corroding metals, rusting iron, and fueling fires.
Why Did It Take So Long For Complex Life To Evolve On Earth? Blame Oxygen. | Matthew R. Francis | November 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTUnlike metals like iron, which rusts and corrodes dramatically, chromium remains stable after oxidation and subsequent burial.
Why Did It Take So Long For Complex Life To Evolve On Earth? Blame Oxygen. | Matthew R. Francis | November 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAmid the Iron Islands—perhaps non-ferric metals are scarce in the Seven Kingdoms?
Game of Thrones’ Ep. 6, ‘The Laws of Gods and Men’: The Riveting Trial of Tyrion Lannister | Andrew Romano | May 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTEven if you strip off the precious metals the cup is still too fancy.
Spain’s New ‘Holy Grail’: Jesus Couldn’t Afford That Kind of Bling | Candida Moss | April 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe big industries – energy, mining and metals – were being privatized, and may the most ruthless man win.
In the courts of princes and wealthy natives the vessels and tubes are lavishly adorned with precious metals.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.By their leathern aprons and the hammers which hung from their belts one could see that they were workers in metals.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceIt is a law of nature that all simple metals expand under the influence of heat and therefore contract when affected by cold.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge | VariousAlloys, or mixtures of different metals, act in a similar manner, but in varying degrees.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge | VariousSome combinations of metals possess the quality of relatively great expansibility.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge | Various
British Dictionary definitions for metal (1 of 2)
/ (ˈmɛtəl) /
any of a number of chemical elements, such as iron or copper, that are often lustrous ductile solids, have basic oxides, form positive ions, and are good conductors of heat and electricity
an alloy, such as brass or steel, containing one or more of these elements
printing type made of metal
the substance of glass in a molten state or as the finished product
short for road metal
informal short for heavy metal (def. 1)
navy
the total weight of projectiles that can be shot by a ship's guns at any one time
the total weight or number of a ship's guns
Also called: heavy element astronomy any element heavier than helium
heraldry gold or silver
(plural) the rails of a railway
made of metal
to fit or cover with metal
to make or mend (a road) with road metal
Origin of metal
1Derived forms of metal
- metal-like, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for metal. (2 of 2)
metallurgical
metallurgy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for metal
[ mĕt′l ]
Any of a large group of chemical elements, including iron, gold, copper, lead, and magnesium, that readily become cations and form ionic bonds, having relatively free valence electrons (electrons in the outer shells). Metals are generally good conductors of electricity because of the freedom of their valence electrons. Metals generally conduct heat well, and in solid form are relatively malleable and ductile compared to other solids. They are usually shiny and opaque. All metals except mercury are solid at room temperature.
An alloy, such as steel or bronze, made of two or more metals.
In astronomy, any atom except hydrogen and helium.
Small stones or gravel, mixed with tar to form tarmac for the surfacing of roads.
usage For metal
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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