Dictionary.com

nonferrous

[ non-fer-uhs ]
/ nɒnˈfɛr əs /

adjective

(of a metal) containing little or no iron.
noting or pertaining to metals other than iron or steel.

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Origin of nonferrous

First recorded in 1885–90; non- + ferrous

Words nearby nonferrous

nonfat, nonfatal, nonfattening, nonfeasance, nonfenestrated forceps, nonferrous, nonfiction, nonfiction novel, nonfinite clause, nonfinite verb, nonflammable
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for nonferrous

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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