nonmetallic

[ non-muh-tal-ik ]

/ ˌnɒn məˈtæl ɪk /

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adjective Chemistry.

of or relating to a nonmetal.

not of a metallic quality: a nonmetallic appearance.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of nonmetallic

First recorded in 1805–15; non- + metallic

Words nearby nonmetallic

nonmaterial, nonmaterial culture, nonmedical, nonmember, nonmetal, nonmetallic, nonmiscible, nonmonetary advantages, nonmoral, nonnasal, nonnative

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nonmetallic in a sentence

If wiring cables are encased in plastic and it’s stamped “Type NM,” for nonmetallic, it’s also made to the old standard.
How to change a ceiling light fixture|Jeanne Huber|February 28, 2022|Washington Post
All the metals could be arranged under such a classification, as also the nonmetallic products.
Appletons' Popular Science Monthly, August 1899|Various
Both metals and nonmetallic substances have been employed either in colloidal form or in combination with organic radicals.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2|Various
There were places where re-solidified metal smoked noisomely against nonmetallic floor or wall-covering.
The Aliens|Murray Leinster

Directly, because there was no other way he could move about on a nonmetallic asteroid.
Anchorite|Randall Garrett
The country's mountains contain a variety of metallic and nonmetallic minerals.
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 nonmetallic

nonmetallic

/ (ˌnɒnmɪˈtælɪk) /

adjective

not of metal

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