metallic

[ muh-tal-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of metal.
2. of the nature of or suggesting metal, as in luster, resonance, or hardness:

   metallic green; a harsh metallic sound.

3. Chemistry.
   1. (of a metal element) being in the free or uncombined state:

      metallic iron.

   2. containing or yielding metal.

noun

1. Textiles.
   1. a yarn or fiber made partly or entirely of metal and having a metallic appearance.
   2. a fabric made of such a yarn or fiber.

metallic

/ mɪˈtælɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or consisting of metal or a metal
2. suggestive of a metal

   metallic lustre

   a metallic click

3. chem (of a metal element) existing in the free state rather than in combination

   metallic copper

metallic

/ mĭ-tăl′ĭk /

1. Relating to or having the characteristics of a metal.

Derived Forms

• meˈtallically, adverb

Other Words From

• me·talli·cal·ly adverb
• met·al·lic·i·ty [met-l-, is, -i-tee], met·al·le·i·ty [met-l-, ee, -i-tee], noun
• inter·me·tallic adjective
• multi·me·tallic adjective
• semi·me·tallic adjective
• unme·tallic adjective
• unme·talli·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metallic¹

1560–70; < Latin metallicus < Greek metallikós of, for mines. See metal, -ic

Example Sentences

"The metallic tip acts like an antenna and focusses the electromagnetic field in a tiny area below its apex."

From Science Daily

"Officials tell us not to touch any metallic substance on the road."

From BBC

The lively canvas, hardly an illustration of an event, employs light-reflective silver and golden-brown metallic paints applied in vast fields of paisley-like commas that dematerialize into a spatially ambiguous surface shimmer.

From Los Angeles Times

The Recco radar, which can detect metallic objects buried in the snow at depths of about 20m, identified debris from the aircraft in the area.

From BBC

The futuristic, metallic silver vehicles lacked steering wheels, pedals and rearview mirrors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• golden
• silvery