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nonmetallic

American  
[non-muh-tal-ik] / ˌnɒn məˈtæl ɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.
  1. of or relating to a nonmetal.

  2. not of a metallic quality.

    a nonmetallic appearance.


nonmetallic British  
/ ˌnɒnmɪˈtælɪk /

adjective

  1. not of metal

  2. of, concerned with, or being a nonmetal

"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

Etymology

Origin of nonmetallic

First recorded in 1805–15; non- + metallic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The accurate estimation of IPs and EAs in such nonmetallic materials can indicate their applicability for use as functional surfaces and interfaces in photosensitive equipment and optoelectronic devices.

From Science Daily

Palashuddin hopes to use his team's nonmetallic dots to identify and separate the various pollutants in the river, including pesticides, surfactants, metal ions, antibiotics and dyes.

From Science Daily

But production of wood products declined as did that of nonmetallic mineral products, fabricated metal products, and electrical equipment, appliances and components.

From Reuters

Ask carmakers, designers and color experts about the origins of the nonmetallic paint trend, and you’ll be inundated with high-concept theories.

From Los Angeles Times

When a ferrite—a nonmetallic material with magnetic properties—is subject to a constant magnetic field, its molecules sustain tiny circulating currents that rotate with a handedness determined by the magnetic field orientation.

From Scientific American