nonmetallic

[ non-muh-tal-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. of or relating to a nonmetal.
2. not of a metallic quality:

   a nonmetallic appearance.

nonmetallic

/ ˌnɒnmɪˈtælɪk /

adjective

1. not of metal
2. of, concerned with, or being a nonmetal

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonmetallic¹

First recorded in 1805–15; non- + metallic

Example Sentences

If wiring cables are encased in plastic and it’s stamped “Type NM,” for nonmetallic, it’s also made to the old standard.

From Washington Post

All the metals could be arranged under such a classification, as also the nonmetallic products.

From Project Gutenberg

Both metals and nonmetallic substances have been employed either in colloidal form or in combination with organic radicals.

From Project Gutenberg

There were places where re-solidified metal smoked noisomely against nonmetallic floor or wall-covering.

From Project Gutenberg

Directly, because there was no other way he could move about on a nonmetallic asteroid.

From Project Gutenberg

The country's mountains contain a variety of metallic and nonmetallic minerals.

From Project Gutenberg