alloy
AL-oy
/ˈæl.ɔɪ/
A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements (or a metal and non-metal) to improve strength or corrosion resistance; or to mix metals.
An alloy is a metallic solid solution or mixture, engineered deliberately to possess superior mechanical properties compared to pure metals.
The story behind the word. Alloy originates from Anglo-Norman French 'aloyer' and Latin 'alligare' (ad- + ligare, to bind together). It originally referred to binding precious metals with base metals to adjust coinage weight.
Word relationships
- amalgam: Amalgam specifically refers to an alloy containing mercury, or a loose figurative blend.
- pure metal: A pure metal consists of a single chemical element without intentional additives.
Commonly confused with
- ally: An ally is a political or personal partner; an alloy is a metallic mixture.
Word family
- alloyed (adjective): Mixed with other metals or elements
- unalloyed (adjective): Pure, unmixed, complete
Collocations
- alloy steel
- aluminum alloy
- copper alloy
- unalloyed metal
Idioms & expressions
- unalloyed joy
Example sentences
- "Steel is an alloy composed primarily of iron combined with a small percentage of carbon to increase hardness." Metallurgy
- "Modern aircraft rely heavily on aluminum alloys that provide high strength while keeping overall weight minimal." Aerospace
Memory hook
ALL-OY: ALL of these metals are bound together into one alloy. Bound metals built stronger.
When not to use
Do not use for simple mechanical mixtures of non-metallic liquids; use mixture or solution.
Fun facts
- Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was so revolutionary when discovered around 3300 BCE that it gave its name to an entire human era—the Bronze Age.
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