heavy metal
noun
any metal with a specific gravity of 5.0 or greater, especially one that is toxic to organisms, as lead, mercury, copper, and cadmium.
heavy metals
-
pluralof heavy metal.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Environment Agency said this is because legacy substances, such as heavy metals from mining, take decades to break down, and some are building up.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
Veterinarians will continue to monitor Jackie’s blood and white cell levels and are expected to test her for signs of contamination from less common heavy metals.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026
Bumblebees can accumulate dramatically higher levels of toxic heavy metals than honeybees, even when both species forage in the same area, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 7, 2026
For decades, the soil, groundwater and air have been contaminated by heavy metals, dioxins and asbestos.
From Barron's ● May 23, 2026
Within an hour I know it contains an unknown parasite similar to cryptosporidium, but no heavy metals.
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
