noble metal

noun

1. any of a number of metals, as gold, silver, mercury, or platinum, that resist oxidation when heated in air, and solution by inorganic acids.

Word History and Origins

Origin of noble metal¹

1350–1400; Middle English: precious metal

Example Sentences

A natural alloy of gold containing 20 per cent silver, termed electrum, is the lowest grade of the noble metal.

From Project Gutenberg

It is well said; but the last letter to Frank Scott is scarcely 210 of a noble metal.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a noble metal collar—about thirty-two, the size would have been, on the usual scale.

From Project Gutenberg

But now, at the first and yet final trial, she is proved and found to be of noble metal.

From Project Gutenberg

It is well said; but the last letter to Frank Scott is scarcely of a noble metal.

From Project Gutenberg