Smelt: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.