definitions

nonferrous

[ non-fer-uh s ]
/ nɒnˈfɛr əs /
|

adjective

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

Nearby words

nonfat, nonfatal, nonfattening, nonfeasance, nonfenestrated forceps, nonferrous, nonfiction, nonfiction novel, nonfinite, nonfinite clause, nonfinite verb

Origin of nonferrous

First recorded in 1885–90; non- + ferrous
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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