26984 words

alloy

4 definitions • 7 examples
1
a metal that is made by mixing two or more metals, or a metal and another substance:

Examples:

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
alloy wheels
2
to mix a metal with one or more other metals to form a new substance:

Examples:

They alloyed tin with copper to make bronze.
For certain purposes gold was alloyed, for example by adding silver to toughen it for more hardwearing jewellery.
3
to mix with and change something, often in a way that makes it worse or less valuable:

Examples:

My pleasure in receiving the letter was somewhat alloyed by its contents.
He showed a courageous passion alloyed with a scientist's analytical detachment.
A certain amount of fear alloyed their admiration of him.
4
a metal that is made by mixing together two or more metals, or a metal and another substance

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