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

They delivered Coke syrup in 75 gallon stainless steel barrels on trucks, pumped directly into McDonald’s restaurants through hoses to guarantee freshness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

Thomas wrote to the Cement Federation asking for a mix "that would last a thousand years", while stainless steel was chosen for some elements after discussions with the Steel Federation.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Titanium parts coated with precious metals such as gold or platinum are expensive, while stainless steel is far more economical.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Metals executives say nickel miners there, who get most of their sulfur from the Middle East, have started to dial back production of the metal that is used to make electric-vehicle batteries and stainless steel.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

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

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman