Smelt: meaning, definitions and examples

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smelt

[smɛlt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

metal processing

To extract metal from its ore by a process involving heating and melting.

Synonyms

extract, fuse, melt down.

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. They smelt iron from its ore in large blast furnaces. The company specializes in smelting aluminum from bauxite.
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. They use a special machine to extract oil from the seeds. Scientists are trying to extract DNA from ancient fossils.
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. They decided to melt down old jewelry to create new pieces. The meltdown of the nuclear reactor caused a major disaster.
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. The welder fused the metal pieces together to form a strong joint. In the glass workshop, they fuse different colored rods to create intricate designs.

Examples of usage

Workers smelt the iron ore to extract the metal.
After smelting, the impurities are removed from the metal.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fish

A small silvery fish found in both marine and freshwater.

Synonyms

silverfish, sparling.

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. The fishermen caught a bucket full of smelt to use as bait. They smelted the ore to extract the silver.
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. We found silverfish in the basement, so we need to call pest control. Silverfish can damage books and paper products.
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. In the 18th century, sparling was a common catch along the coast. Old recipes often include sparling as an ingredient.

Word

Description / Examples

smelt

Duplicate of 'smelt' as a small fish or melting metal. Use in the same contexts as the first entry.

The fishermen caught a bucket full of smelt to use as bait.
They smelted the ore to extract the silver.

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.

We found silverfish in the basement, so we need to call pest control.
Silverfish can damage books and paper products.

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.

In the 18th century, sparling was a common catch along the coast.
Old recipes often include sparling as an ingredient.

Examples of usage

The river is full of smelt during the spawning season.
Fishermen are out catching smelt for the market.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "smelt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundir

derreter
cheirar

🇮🇳 पिघलाना

🇩🇪 schmelzen

🇮🇩 melelehkan

🇺🇦 плавити

🇵🇱 topić

🇯🇵 溶かす (とけす)

🇫🇷 fondre

🇪🇸 fundir

🇹🇷 eritmek

🇰🇷 녹이다

🇸🇦 صهر

🇨🇿 tavit

🇸🇰 taviť

🇨🇳 熔化 (róng huà)

🇸🇮 taliti

🇮🇸 bræða

🇰🇿 балқыту

🇬🇪 დნობა

🇦🇿 ərimək

🇲🇽 fundir

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,417, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17414 plethora
17415 nullity
17416 mag
17417 smelt
17418 lacquer
17419 browsing
17420 internship
...