nonmetal

[ non-met-l ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an element not having the character of a metal, as carbon or nitrogen.
2. an element incapable of forming simple positive ions in solution.

nonmetal

/ nɒnˈmɛtəl /

noun

1. any of a number of chemical elements that form negative ions, have acidic oxides, and are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonmetal¹

First recorded in 1865–70; non- + metal