stainless steel

American  

noun

1. alloy steel containing 12 percent or more chromium, so as to be resistant to rust and attack from various chemicals.

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stainless steel British  

noun

1. 1. a type of steel resistant to corrosion as a result of the presence of large amounts of chromium (12–15 per cent). The carbon content depends on the application, being 0.2–0.4 per cent for steel used in cutlery, etc, and about 1 per cent for use in scalpels and razor blades

   2. ( as modifier )

      stainless-steel cutlery

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stainless steel Scientific  

/ stān′lĭs /

1. Any of various alloys of iron that contain chromium, nickel, and small amounts of carbon. They may also contain minor amounts of other elements, such as molybdenum. Stainless steel is resistant to rusting and corrosion.

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Etymology

Origin of stainless steel

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

It will feature several of Gehry’s animal-themed sculptures, including a rarely seen stainless steel bear figure, on loan from the artist’s family.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

They deposited an extremely thin layer of thorium onto stainless steel using electroplating, a technique commonly used in jewelry.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026

Exports of 300 specific steel products, including stainless steel, will be subject to authorities’ approval, according to a list published by the commerce ministry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Its stainless steel facade unfurls toward the river in faceted, reflective forms that contrast with the building’s campus-facing facade, a series of various-sized cubes wrapped in earth-toned brick, matching the rest of campus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

In the blink of an eye, the top part of each wall was coated with a stainless steel barrier.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix