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smelt
1[ smelt ]
/ smɛlt /
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verb (used with object)
to fuse or melt (ore) in order to separate the metal contained.
to obtain or refine (metal) in this way.
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Origin of smelt
1First recorded in 1535–45; probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German smelten; cognate with German schmelzen “to melt, smelt, fuse”; see origin at melt1,
Words nearby smelt
smelling salts, smell test, smell to high heaven, smell up, smelly, smelt, smelter, smeltery, Smetana, Smethwick, smew
Other definitions for smelt (2 of 3)
smelt2
[ smelt ]
/ smɛlt /
noun, plural (especially collectively) smelt, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) smelts.
any of various small, silvery food fishes of the family Osmeridae, of cold northern waters, as the North American rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax.
any of several superficially similar but unrelated fishes, especially certain silversides, of California.
Origin of smelt
2First recorded before 900; Middle English smelt(e), smelth, Old English smelt, smylt; compare Norwegian smelta “whiting”
Other definitions for smelt (3 of 3)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use smelt in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for smelt (1 of 3)
smelt1
/ (smɛlt) /
verb
(tr) to extract (a metal) from (an ore) by heating
Word Origin for smelt
C15: from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch smelten; related to Old High German smelzan to melt
British Dictionary definitions for smelt (2 of 3)
smelt2
/ (smɛlt) /
noun plural smelt or smelts
any marine or freshwater salmonoid food fish of the family Osmeridae, such as Osmerus eperlanus of Europe, having a long silvery body and occurring in temperate and cold northern waters
Word Origin for smelt
Old English smylt; related to Dutch, Danish smelt, Norwegian smelta, German Schmelz
British Dictionary definitions for smelt (3 of 3)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for smelt
smelt
[ smĕlt ]
To melt ores in order to extract the metals they contain. Oxide ores, such as iron ore, are smelted with carbon, which serves as a fuel and changes the ore into a reduced metal.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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