metal

noun metals

1. countable, uncountable Any of a number of chemical elements in the periodic table that form a metallic bond with other metal atoms; generally shiny, somewhat malleable and hard, often a conductor of heat and electricity. Manganism has been known about since the 19th century, when miners exposed to ores containing manganese, a silvery metal, began to totter, slur their speech and behave like someone inebriated.
2. countable, uncountable Any material with similar physical properties as those chemical elements, especially as a combination of several of them, such as an alloy. But then I had the flintlock by me for protection. ¶ There were giants in the days when that gun was made; for surely no modern mortal could have held that mass of metal steady to his shoulder. The linen-press and a chest on the top of it formed, however, a very good gun-carriage; and, thus mounted,
3. countable, uncountable An element which was not directly created after the Big Bang but instead formed through nuclear reactions; any element other than hydrogen and helium. Most of the matter in stars is hydrogen and helium, and the metals (including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and so on) were cooked up inside stars.
4. countable, uncountable Crushed rock, stones etc. used to make a road. One of the most important tasks was the metalling of the roads, and the dumping of metal beside them in parts where it was impossible to lay it, in order that work might commence with the assault. The surface of the roads was good, but only because the Division had been holding a front so wide, whic
5. countable, uncountable The ore from which a metal is derived.
6. countable, obsolete, uncountable A mine from which ores are taken. slaves […] and persons condemned to metals
7. countable, uncountable A light tincture used in a coat of arms, specifically argent (white or silver) and or (gold).
8. countable, uncountable Molten glass that is to be blown or moulded to form objects.
9. countable, uncountable A category of rock music encompassing a number of genres (including thrash metal, death metal, etc.) characterized by strong drumbeats and distorted guitars. While the motive is still under investigation, authorities said that Matthews’ interest in black metal music may have influenced his behavior.

   Similar: heavy metal

10. archaic, countable, figuratively, uncountable The substance that constitutes something or someone; matter; hence, character or temper. Leonato. Well, neece, I hope to ſee you one day fitted with a husband. / Beatrice. Not till God make men of ſome other mettall then earth, would it not grieue a woman to be over-maſtred with a peece of valiant duſt?

    Similar: mettle

11. countable, uncountable The effective power or calibre of guns carried by a vessel of war.
12. UK, countable, in plural, uncountable The rails of a railway.
13. countable, informal, uncountable The actual airline operating a flight, rather than any of the codeshare operators. We have American Airlines tickets, but it's on British Airways metal.

Similar: metal · Opposite: nonmetal

adjective more metal · most metal

1. Characterized by strong drum-beats and distorted guitars.
2. Having the emotional or social characteristics associated with metal music; brash, bold, frank, unyielding, etc. The beast will destroy everything in his path With this song on the upcoming brawl It sure is a long one and tough to pronounce but It's the most metal title of all

verb metals · metaling · metalling · metaled · metalled

1. To make a road using crushed rock, stones etc.