heavy metal

noun

1. any metal with a specific gravity of 5.0 or greater, especially one that is toxic to organisms, as lead, mercury, copper, and cadmium.
2. aggressive and heavily amplified rock music, commonly performed by groups that wear spectacular or bizarre costumes.

heavy metal

noun

1. 1. a type of rock music characterized by a strong beat and amplified instrumental effects, sometimes with violent, or nihilistic lyrics
   2. ( as modifier )

      a heavy-metal band

2. a metal with a high specific gravity
3. military large guns or shot

Other Words From

• heavy-metal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavy metal¹

1860–65, for literal sense

Example Sentences

As an environmental epidemiologist with training in nutritional sciences, I have investigated the relationship between nutritional status, diets and heavy metal exposures in children.

From Salon

Toxic chemicals and heavy metals have been detected that could be leaching into the sediment — something local officials are not equipped to clean up on their own.

From Los Angeles Times

But most of these compounds, such as pollutants and heavy metals, are removed during refining.

From Salon

The irony of the “Cop Killer” — the song by his heavy metal band Body Count that resulted in a parting of ways with Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times

They also found some products contained levels of heavy metals that were higher than expected.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• melody
• opera
• piece
• rap
• rock
• singing
• soul
• tune