nonferrous

[ non-fer-uhs ]

/ nɒnˈfɛr əs /

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adjective

(of a metal) containing little or no iron.

noting or pertaining to metals other than iron or steel.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of nonferrous

First recorded in 1885–90; non- + ferrous

Words nearby nonferrous

nonexportation, nonfat, nonfatal, nonfattening, nonfeasance, nonferrous, nonfiction, nonfiction novel, nonfinite clause, nonfinite verb, nonflammable

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nonferrous in a sentence

Information on basic nonferrous ore reserves is tenuous and, in part, conflicting.
Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
The lowest growth rates among basic industries were attained by the timber and woodworking industry and nonferrous metallurgy.
Area Handbook for Bulgaria|Eugene K. Keefe, Violeta D. Baluyut, William Giloane, Anne K. Long, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
The average wholesale prices of other primary goods, such as nonferrous metals, have fallen to 76 per cent of 1928.
State of the Union Addresses of Herbert Hoover|Herbert Hoover
Among the slowest growing branches were timber and wood processing, textiles, nonferrous metallurgy, and food processing.
Area Handbook for Bulgaria|Eugene K. Keefe, Violeta D. Baluyut, William Giloane, Anne K. Long, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole

Reserves of nonferrous metals are reported to be more plentiful than reserves of iron ore.
Area Handbook for Bulgaria|Eugene K. Keefe, Violeta D. Baluyut, William Giloane, Anne K. Long, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole

British Dictionary definitions for nonferrous

nonferrous

/ (ˌnɒnˈfɛrəs) /

adjective

denoting any metal other than iron

not containing irona nonferrous alloy

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