solder

[ sod-er ]

noun

1. any of various alloys fused and applied to the joint between metal objects to unite them without heating the objects to the melting point.
2. anything that joins or unites:

   the solder of their common cause.

verb (used with object)

1. to join (metal objects) with solder.
2. to join closely and intimately:

   two fates inseparably soldered by misfortune.

3. to mend; repair; patch up.

verb (used without object)

1. to unite things with solder.
2. to become soldered or united; grow together.

solder

/ ˈsɒdər; ˈsɒldə /

noun

1. an alloy for joining two metal surfaces by melting the alloy so that it forms a thin layer between the surfaces. Soft solders are alloys of lead and tin; brazing solders are alloys of copper and zinc
2. something that joins things together firmly; a bond

verb

1. to join or mend or be joined or mended with or as if with solder

Derived Forms

• ˈsolderable, adjective
• ˈsolderer, noun

Other Words From

• solder·a·ble adjective
• solder·er noun
• solder·less adjective
• de·solder verb (used with object)
• re·solder verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solder¹

1325–75; (noun) Middle English soudour < Old French soudure, soldure, derivative of solder to solder < Latin solidāre to make solid, equivalent to solid ( us ) solid + -āre infinitive suffix; (v.) late Middle English, derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solder¹

C14: via Old French from Latin solidāre to strengthen, from solidus solid

Example Sentences

Also included in the safety priorities is removing asbestos and mold, replacing plumbing with lead solders and improving the structural integrity of school buildings in the case of earthquakes.

From Voice of San Diego

Tantalum helps you send text messages, tin is the solder on every circuit board and gold is the little connecting piece.

From The Daily Beast

Of note in particular is the sad, lingering air around Dying Iranian Solder, 1987.

From The Daily Beast

The lead was very thick, and the seams were folded over and welded, no solder being used.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been enlarged with soft solder, as though Essex had only trusted it to a jeweller working in his presence.

From Project Gutenberg

The propeller consists of a piece of tin, slightly twisted and attached to the shaft with solder.

From Project Gutenberg

A very neat repair can be made with an alcohol lamp and a blowpipe by using a little silver solder.

From Project Gutenberg

There was likewise a small quantity of block tin, sheet tin, and solder.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fasten