nonferrous
Americanadjective
-
(of a metal) containing little or no iron.
-
noting or pertaining to metals other than iron or steel.
adjective
-
denoting any metal other than iron
-
not containing iron
a nonferrous alloy
Etymology
Origin of nonferrous
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.
In one part of the conveyor system, a vibrating panel called an eddy current creates a sort of reverse magnet that repels nonferrous materials like aluminum beverage cans into their own collection area.
From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026
On a monthly basis, PPI rose 0.4% in January from December, accelerating from a 0.2% increase, driven by a surge in nonferrous metal prices, the statistics bureau said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 11, 2026
Prices of most nonferrous metals fell following the data release.
From Reuters ● Oct. 31, 2023
The recycler of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal reported weak fiscal second-quarter earnings.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 5, 2023
The bulk of industrial investment was channeled into heavy industry, including fuel and energy production, ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, chemicals, and machine building and metalworking.
From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Violeta D. Baluyut
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
