metallic

American  

[muh-tal-ik] / məˈtæl ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of metal.

2. of the nature of or suggesting metal, as in luster, resonance, or hardness.

   metallic green; a harsh metallic sound.

3. Chemistry.

   1. (of a metal element) being in the free or uncombined state.

      metallic iron.

   2. containing or yielding metal.

---

noun

1. Textiles.

   1. a yarn or fiber made partly or entirely of metal and having a metallic appearance.

   2. a fabric made of such a yarn or fiber.

metallic British  

/ mɪˈtælɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or consisting of metal or a metal

2. suggestive of a metal

   a metallic click

   metallic lustre

3. chem (of a metal element) existing in the free state rather than in combination

   metallic copper

---

metallic Scientific  

/ mĭ-tăl′ĭk /

1. Relating to or having the characteristics of a metal.

---

Other Word Forms

• intermetallic adjective
• metalleity noun
• metallically adverb
• metallicity noun
• multimetallic adjective
• semimetallic adjective
• unmetallic adjective
• unmetallically adverb

Etymology

Origin of metallic

1560–70; < Latin metallicus < Greek metallikós of, for mines. See metal, -ic

Example Sentences

Silicon differs fundamentally from carbon because it is more metallic and does not hold onto its electrons as tightly.

From Science Daily

Two weeks before the show, young seamstresses were crocheting floral motifs in mohair and Japanese metallic thread at a south London studio overlooking the Thames river and Big Ben.

From Barron's

Mining stocks have benefited from the fact that data centers require more wire and other metallic products, sending metals prices higher.

From Barron's

For her sit-down with Shepherd, Huger was styled in a formfitting burnt orange dress, metallic cuffs and a chic bob.

From Los Angeles Times

We trek across the grass to a row of six tables covered in white linen and decorated with metallic confetti.

From Literature

Related Words

• golden
• silvery