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

In conventional stainless steel, the chromium based protective layer can break down at high electrical potentials.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Even 254SMO super stainless steel, a benchmark chromium based alloy known for strong pitting resistance in seawater, runs into this high voltage limit.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

But also literally: my desk is a repurposed stainless steel prep table, set beside the stove, facing a window that’s often full of light.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

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

Everything was brilliantly lit, with the glint of shiny white surfaces and stainless steel.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman