Metal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔩
metal
[ˈmɛt(ə)l ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
|
| iron |
Used when specifically talking about the heavy metal that is commonly used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength.
|
| copper |
Used when referring to the reddish-brown metal known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity. Often used in wiring and coinage.
|
Examples of usage
- The car was made of metal.
- Gold is a precious metal.
- Steel is a common metal used in construction.
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| metal |
Used when speaking generally about the genre of music that includes a heavy use of electric guitars, bass, and drums.
|
| 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.
|
| hard rock |
Better suited for describing a genre that has a heavier sound than regular rock but is less intense than heavy metal.
|
| thrash metal |
Used specifically for describing a sub-genre of heavy metal that incorporates fast tempo and aggressive playing styles.
|
Examples of usage
- She enjoys listening to metal music.
- Metallica is a famous metal band.
- The concert featured various metal bands.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Metals are generally good conductors of electricity and heat, making them essential in electrical wiring.
- There are two main types: ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (not containing iron), each with unique properties.
History
- The use of metals revolutionized human civilization during the Bronze Age and Iron Age, enabling advancements in tools and weapons.
- Gold and silver have been used for currency and trade dating back to ancient civilizations, reflecting their value.
Pop Culture
- Heavy metal is a popular music genre known for its loud and powerful sound, often featuring electric guitars.
- In movies, alloys and metals often symbolize strength or danger, as seen in characters like Iron Man.
Art
- Metalwork has been a crucial form of artistic expression, evident in sculptures, jewelry, and decorative objects throughout history.
- The art of working with metals requires high skill and creativity, often portrayed in exhibitions worldwide.
Origin of 'metal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'metal' comes from the Greek word 'metallon,' meaning 'a mine' or 'to mine.'
- In ancient cultures, metals were often associated with deities and were used in religious artifacts.
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.