nonmetal

[ non-met-l ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an element not having the character of a metal, as carbon or nitrogen.
2. an element incapable of forming simple positive ions in solution.

nonmetal

/ nɒnˈmɛtəl /

noun

1. any of a number of chemical elements that form negative ions, have acidic oxides, and are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonmetal¹

First recorded in 1865–70; non- + metal

Example Sentences

Many metals readily give up their electrons to nonmetal atoms, such as oxygen.

From Science News For Students

Due to big differences in their metallic character, the nonmetal steals electrons from the metal atom and keeps those electrons.

From Science News For Students

The metal and nonmetal remain stuck together because they now have opposite charges.

From Science News For Students

Metal atoms differ from nonmetal ones in how well they steal valence electrons from other atoms.

From Science News For Students

They might be made of nonmetal elements like sulfur and nitrogen.

From Science News For Students