nonmetallic

[ non-muh-tal-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. of or relating to a nonmetal.
2. not of a metallic quality:

   a nonmetallic appearance.

nonmetallic

/ ˌnɒnmɪˈtælɪk /

adjective

1. not of metal
2. of, concerned with, or being a nonmetal

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonmetallic¹

First recorded in 1805–15; non- + metallic

Example Sentences

The accurate estimation of IPs and EAs in such nonmetallic materials can indicate their applicability for use as functional surfaces and interfaces in photosensitive equipment and optoelectronic devices.

From Science Daily

Palashuddin hopes to use his team's nonmetallic dots to identify and separate the various pollutants in the river, including pesticides, surfactants, metal ions, antibiotics and dyes.

From Science Daily

But production of wood products declined as did that of nonmetallic mineral products, fabricated metal products, and electrical equipment, appliances and components.

From Reuters

Ask carmakers, designers and color experts about the origins of the nonmetallic paint trend, and you’ll be inundated with high-concept theories.

From Los Angeles Times

When a ferrite—a nonmetallic material with magnetic properties—is subject to a constant magnetic field, its molecules sustain tiny circulating currents that rotate with a handedness determined by the magnetic field orientation.

From Scientific American