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
Words Nearby metal
Other definitions for metal. (2 of 2)
metallurgical.
metallurgy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use metal in a sentence
Influencers are a big deal on TikTok and businesses are increasingly putting the pedal to the metal and invest in TikTok marketing campaigns.
What you must know about TikTok for business | Connie Benton | September 17, 2020 | Search Engine WatchWe like that the pencils come in a handy metal tin that snaps shut, so you can keep the set organized and clean.
Excellent pencils for school, work, and beyond | PopSci Commerce Team | September 16, 2020 | Popular-ScienceTerry flicked his cigarette into a metal ash bucket and went in, pulling up his mask to serve them.
It’s made of a mix of TC cloth, wood, and metal, bringing a modern yet classic look to any surface.
Bedside table lamps to brighten your sleep space | PopSci Commerce Team | September 15, 2020 | Popular-Science“Many of the mining and engineering skills are transferable to the exploitation of metals and minerals, often in the same regions,” the Commission said in the strategy document published Thursday.
Europe relies on foreign raw materials to power its green and digital future. Now it wants to mine them at home | David Meyer | September 3, 2020 | Fortune
The taste of metal cutlery after years of plastic can also taste funny.
His First Day Out Of Jail After 40 Years: Adjusting To Life Outside | Justin Rohrlich | January 3, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTIn previous decades, hip-hop was something typically preached against, much like rock & roll and heavy metal before it.
Down With the King: Christianity Isn’t Hiding in Rap’s Closet | Stereo Williams | December 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWoods were shredded, the earth trembled and the ground exploded in showers of stone and red-hot metal splinters.
Barron Industries Michigan-based company that produces metal castings for various industries.
Once a month he attaches a device to his chest, clamps metal bracelets on his wrists, and hooks the whole thing up to a telephone.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days | David Freeman | December 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn the metal of the tenor several coins are visible, one being a Spanish dollar of 1742.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham | Thomas T. Harman and Walter ShowellThe metal is then removed, and washed successively with very dilute sodium hydroxid solution, alcohol, and ether.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddAll the parts are made of metal, so that no change in the weather can affect their relative positions.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing MillerIndirect lighting gave a pretty gleam to the metal gadgets on the tables.
Fee of the Frontier | Horace Brown FyfeA Cremona Violin is, to a rich amateur, a loadstone that is sure to attract the shining metal from the depths of his purse.
Violins and Violin Makers | Joseph Pearce
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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