alloy
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for alloy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use alloy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French aloi, related to Latin alligare, "to bind together" — the same root as "ally".
Full origin of alloy →Frequently asked questions
What does “alloy” mean?
The word “alloy” means a metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal. In plain terms, a blend of metals melted together to get properties neither metal has alone.
How do you pronounce “alloy”?
“Alloy” is pronounced A-loy (/ˈæ.lɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “alloy” in a sentence?
Here is “alloy” used in a sentence: “Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.”
What part of speech is “alloy”?
Depending on how it is used, “alloy” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “alloy” come from?
The word “alloy” comes from Latin. From Old French aloi, related to Latin alligare, "to bind together" — the same root as "ally".
Is “alloy” a common word?
“Alloy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “alloy” have?
“Alloy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal.
What is the difference between an alloy and a metal?
A metal is typically a pure element, such as iron or copper, while an alloy is created by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys are made deliberately to achieve properties, such as strength or resistance to corrosion, that the individual metals lack on their own.
What are some common examples of alloys?
Well-known alloys include steel, made from iron and carbon, and bronze, made from copper and tin. These combinations are chosen because mixing the elements produces material properties superior to those of the individual metals alone.
Can "alloy" be used as a verb?
Yes, "to alloy" means to combine metals together, or figuratively, to weaken something pure by mixing in something of lesser quality. The figurative sense often appears in writing about compromised ideals or diluted qualities.