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Smelter: meaning, definitions and examples

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smelter

 

[ ˈsmɛltər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

metal production

A smelter is an industrial facility where metal is extracted from its ore through a process involving heating and melting. This process separates the metal from impurities and other elements present in the ore.

Synonyms

foundry, furnace, refinery

Examples of usage

  • The smelter produces copper from its ore.
  • A new smelter was built to increase production capacity.
  • Workers at the smelter must follow strict safety protocols.

Translations

Translations of the word "smelter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundição

🇮🇳 धातु गलाने की भट्टी

🇩🇪 Schmelzwerk

🇮🇩 peleburan

🇺🇦 плавильня

🇵🇱 huta

🇯🇵 精錬所

🇫🇷 fonderie

🇪🇸 fundición

🇹🇷 eritme tesisi

🇰🇷 제련소

🇸🇦 مصنع الصهر

🇨🇿 tavírna

🇸🇰 liatináreň

🇨🇳 冶炼厂

🇸🇮 talilnica

🇮🇸 smaðjuhús

🇰🇿 балқыту зауыты

🇬🇪 გალღობის ქარხანა

🇦🇿 əridici

🇲🇽 fundición

Etymology

The term 'smelter' comes from the Middle English word 'smelten', which means to melt or fuse. This is derived from the Old English 'smeltan', referring to the process of melting metals to separate them from their ores. The practice of smelting dates back to ancient civilizations, where metals were first discovered and used for tools and ornaments. The process has evolved over time with advancements in technology and industrial techniques, including the introduction of different kinds of furnaces and refining processes. Smelters became crucial during the Industrial Revolution, as the demand for metals increased for machinery, construction, and various technologies. Today, smelters are a vital part of the modern metallurgical industry, involved in the processing of various metals including iron, copper, and aluminum.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,307, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.