Metal: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฉ
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metal

 

[ หˆmษ›t(ษ™)l ]

Context #1 | Noun

material

A solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity. Metals are usually extracted from ores.

Synonyms

alloy, copper, iron.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
metal

Duplicate of the general term for a category of elements. This entry is redundant.

alloy

Refers to a mixture of two or more metals, created to enhance certain properties like strength or resistance to corrosion.

  • Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium.
  • Bronze is an alloy that has been used for thousands of years.
iron

Used when specifically talking about the heavy metal that is commonly used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength.

  • Iron is a key component in steel production.
  • The old bridge is made of iron and has withstood many years.
copper

Used when referring to the reddish-brown metal known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity. Often used in wiring and coinage.

  • Copper wires are commonly used in electrical systems.
  • The statue was originally made of copper, but it has turned green over time.

Examples of usage

  • The car was made of metal.
  • Gold is a precious metal.
  • Steel is a common metal used in construction.
Context #2 | Noun

music

A genre of rock music characterized by aggressive sound, distorted guitars, and powerful vocals. Metal bands often use complex guitar solos and drumming.

Synonyms

hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
metal

Used when speaking generally about the genre of music that includes a heavy use of electric guitars, bass, and drums.

  • I love listening to metal music when I work out
heavy metal

Ideal for referring to a sub-genre of metal that originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by aggressive lyrics and powerful instrumental effects.

  • Black Sabbath is often credited with pioneering heavy metal music
hard rock

Better suited for describing a genre that has a heavier sound than regular rock but is less intense than heavy metal.

  • Her favorite band is one of the most famous hard rock groups from the 80s
thrash metal

Used specifically for describing a sub-genre of heavy metal that incorporates fast tempo and aggressive playing styles.

  • Metallica's early albums are quintessential examples of thrash metal

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys listening to metal music.
  • Metallica is a famous metal band.
  • The concert featured various metal bands.

Translations

Translations of the word "metal" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น metal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคพเคคเฅ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Metall

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ logam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะตั‚ะฐะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ metal

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้‡‘ๅฑž (ใใ‚“ใžใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉtal

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ metal

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท metal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธˆ์† (๊ธˆ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุนุฏู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kov

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kov

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‡‘ๅฑž (jฤซnshว”)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kovina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรกlmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะตั‚ะฐะปะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒขแƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ metal

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ metal

Etymology

The word 'metal' originates from the Greek word 'metallon' meaning 'mine, quarry, metal'. Metals have been used by humans for thousands of years, with the Bronze Age and Iron Age marking significant periods of metal use in human history. The discovery and use of metals revolutionized tools, weapons, and technology.

See also: metalcore, metallic, metalworker, metalworking.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,136, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.