metall-
Words nearby metall-
Other definitions for metall- (2 of 2)
WORDS THAT USE METALL-
What does metall- mean?
The combining form metall- is used like a prefix meaning “metal.” It is occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry and medicine.
The form metall- comes from Greek métallon, meaning “metal, mine, quarry.” Yes, quarry! Discover why at our entry for metal.
What are variants of metall-?
The form metall- is a variant of metallo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. A rare variant of metall- is metalli-, as in metalliferous. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for both metalli- and metallo-.
Examples of metall-
A scientific term that features the form metall- is metalloid, “a nonmetal that in combination with a metal forms an alloy.” The word metalloid can also be used as an adjective to mean “resembling both a metal and a nonmetal.”
The metall- part of the word means “metal,” while the suffix -oid means “resembling” or “like.” Metalloid literally translates to “resembling metal” or “metal-like.”
What are some words that use the combining form metall-?
- metallic (using the equivalent form of metall- in Greek)
- metallicize
- metallide
- metalline (using the equivalent form of metall- in Latin)
- metallist
- metallize
What are some other forms that metall- may be commonly confused with?
How to use metall- in a sentence
Cotgrave has—'Lame; f. a thin plate of any metall; also, a blade.'
Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 (of 7) -- Notes to the Canterbury Tales|Geoffrey ChaucerHowe be it Nature hath not framed euery creature of one metall, ne yet Minerua infused lyke brayne into euery head.
The Palace of Pleasure|William PainterAs to his father's ignorance and clownery, 'twas as good metall in the oare which wants excoriating and refineing.
Brief Lives (Vol. 1 of 2)|John AubreyAbout his arme he ware an hounds collar set full of S S of gold, and the tirets likewise being of the same metall.
Chronicles (3 of 6): Historie of England (1 of 9)|Raphaell Holinshed