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
The hand he had been holding behind him came to the front, clutching a stone snatched up from the metaling of the pike as he ran.
The Quickening | Francis LyndeThere was a purring of wheels in the air and the staccato clatter of a horse's hoofs on the hard metaling of the pike.
The Quickening | Francis Lynde
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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