Smelt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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smelt
[smɛlt ]
Definitions
metal processing
To extract metal from its ore by a process involving heating and melting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| smelt |
Used in metallurgy to describe the process of extracting metal from its ore using heat and a chemical reducing agent. It's often used in an industrial context.
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| extract |
Can refer to various methods of obtaining a substance from a material, often using chemical or mechanical processes. This word is not limited to metals and is broader in usage.
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| melt down |
Refers specifically to melting a solid material, often metal, typically to form it into a new shape or to recycle it. This term can also have a negative connotation when describing a failure or disaster.
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| fuse |
Typically used to describe the process of joining two or more materials together by melting them. Often appears in contexts like welding, crafting, or even cooking.
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Examples of usage
- Workers smelt the iron ore to extract the metal.
- After smelting, the impurities are removed from the metal.
fish
A small silvery fish found in both marine and freshwater.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| smelt |
Duplicate of 'smelt' as a small fish or melting metal. Use in the same contexts as the first entry.
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| silverfish |
This word refers to a small, wingless insect often found in damp and dark areas inside homes, known for its silver color and fish-like movements.
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| sparling |
This is an old term or less commonly used for smelt, mainly used in historical or regional contexts, especially in Scotland and Northern England.
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Examples of usage
- The river is full of smelt during the spawning season.
- Fishermen are out catching smelt for the market.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Smelting dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence found in places like Mesopotamia around 5000 BC.
- The process was vital during the Bronze Age, allowing for the creation of tools and weapons that changed cultures.
- In China, early smelting techniques contributed to the development of bronze metallurgy, significantly impacting its dynastic history.
Science
- Smelting involves heating ores to a high temperature to extract the metal, often using a furnace.
- This process requires a flux, like limestone, to help bind impurities and allow them to be removed easily.
- Pollution from smelting has led to modern advancements in environmental controls to reduce its impact.
Technology
- With the Industrial Revolution, smelting techniques advanced dramatically, leading to mass production of metals like steel.
- Modern smelting often employs electric arc furnaces, which are more energy-efficient and produce less waste.
- Innovations in smelting technology focus on using less energy and minimizing emissions during the process.
Culture
- Many cultures celebrate metalworking traditions, with festivals and artisan crafts highlighting smelting and forging methods.
- In some mythologies, gods were associated with metallurgy, symbolizing the transformative power of fire and metalwork.
- The craft of smelting and blacksmithing has inspired numerous works of art and literature, showcasing its cultural significance.
Origin of 'smelt'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'smetan', meaning 'to melt'.
- In the Middle Ages, the term evolved related to the process of separating metal from ore.
- The pronunciation has changed over centuries, but the concept of melting has remained consistent.
The word 'smelt' originated from the Old English word 'smyltan', which means 'to melt or fuse'. In the context of metal processing, 'smelt' has been used since the 15th century to describe the process of extracting metal from ore. The use of 'smelt' to refer to the small silvery fish dates back to the 17th century. Over time, the word has retained its dual meaning in English.