nonmetal

American  

[non-met-l] / nɒnˈmɛt 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.

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nonmetal British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of nonmetal

First recorded in 1865–70; non- + metal

Explanation

In chemistry, an element that isn't shiny and isn't a good conductor of heat or electricity is a nonmetal. Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen are all nonmetals. Most elements are classified as metal: they're lustrous and dense, and you have to get them extremely hot to melt them. The 23 nonmetal elements are mainly gases, like helium and nitrogen, though bromine is a nonmetal liquid and several, like sulfur, are solids. Nonmetal, "not metal," was first used in the 1860s.

Example Sentences

Attendees are encouraged to bring empty, nonmetal water bottles that they can refill for free at water stations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025

While teammates pushed hard on their headphones to hear their nonmetal music, Murphy was playing air guitar and drums in between sets of lifts, nodding his head and attacking his workout.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

In general, the combination of a metal and a nonmetal produces a salt.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Although it has some chemical reactivity that is similar to that of the alkali metals, hydrogen has many of the same chemical properties of a nonmetal with a relatively low electronegativity.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

This bonding capability is in contrast to the nonmetal carbon, whose ability to form carbon-carbon bonds gives it prime importance in the plant and animal worlds.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019