alloy

1 of 2

noun

al·​loy ˈa-ˌlȯi How to pronounce alloy (audio)
also
ə-ˈlȯi How to pronounce alloy (audio)
1
: the degree of mixture with base metals : fineness
2
: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten
also : the state of union of the components
3
a
: an admixture that lessens value
b
: an impairing alien element
4
: a compound, mixture, or union of different things
an ethnic alloy of many peoples
5
archaic : a metal mixed with a more valuable metal to give durability or some other desired quality

alloy

2 of 2

verb

al·​loy ə-ˈlȯi How to pronounce alloy (audio)
also
ˈa-ˌlȯi How to pronounce alloy (audio)
alloyed; alloying; alloys

transitive verb

1
b
: to impair or debase by admixture
2
: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
3
: to mix so as to form an alloy

intransitive verb

: to lend itself to being alloyed
iron alloys well

Examples of alloy in a Sentence

Noun testing the properties of various alloys a part made of aluminum alloy
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The bronzes weigh 455 grams and are a copper, tin and zinc alloy. John Leicester, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024 Carbon steel is a versatile lightweight iron-carbon alloy that tolerates extremely high heat, warms up and cools down quickly, and works on all stovetops (including induction). Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 11 Jan. 2024 The styling pays homage to the iconic 1973 Carrera RS and its ducktail rear spoiler, but also an earlier 2010 Sport Classic that similarly featured wheels reminiscent of the old Fuchs alloys, and Zagato-like roof bubbles, meant to accommodate taller drivers wearing helmets. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2023 Aluminum, magnesium alloy, and glass are the core materials here, leading to up to 26 percent more weight than a Meta Quest 3. Andrew Williams, WIRED, 4 Feb. 2024 The typical Holiday–Wilson tempo is a kind of medium-pace chug—neither outright swing nor an invitation to the blues; an alloy in which are cast jazz smarts and a more accessible razzle-dazzle. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Both the mini-bug and water strider robots’ actuators are each composed of two shape memory alloy, 1/1000th inch-wide wires. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024 Once assembled, this sleek alloy steel standing desk functions as both a standing desk and a sit-to-stand desk. Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024 The wings will also be made of composite materials that are lighter than the aluminum alloy Airbus has used for the past 40 years. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2024
Verb
Chemical procesess separate out individual rare earth elements, and further refining and alloying processes produce high-purity metals for use in manufacturing. Mary Hui, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2023 Tungsten alloy spikes that protrude ever-so-slightly from the lugs of these shoes turn slick, icy conditions into regular trail. Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 26 Jan. 2023 This alloy steel organizer has a rust-resistant PE coating to prevent scratches and is available in bronze, charcoal gray, and white finishes. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 5 Jan. 2023 Benin Bronzes - actually copper alloy relief sculptures, many showing court figures - in German public museums. CNN, 21 Dec. 2022 The versatile handheld gadget is made of aluminum and alloy and doesn’t require you to peel the garlic cloves, unlike some other styles. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2022 Most benches with a steel (or alloy steel) construction above 50 pounds are more than adequate for average at-home lifting. Mike Richard, Men's Health, 17 Nov. 2022 Your can fly the metal alloy bird from a distance of up to 65 feet away, with up to six minutes of flight time per rechargeable battery. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 7 Nov. 2022 The multi-layer construction also adds a polycarbonate shear plate, an impact-resistant rubber surround, and alloy metal hardware. Mike Richard, Men's Health, 12 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alloy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French aloi, from Old French alei, from aleir to combine, from Latin alligare to bind — more at ally

First Known Use

Noun

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of alloy was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near alloy

Cite this Entry

“Alloy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alloy

1 of 2 noun
al·​loy ˈal-ˌȯi How to pronounce alloy (audio)
ə-ˈlȯi
: a substance consisting of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal united usually by being melted together

alloy

2 of 2 verb
al·​loy ə-ˈlȯi How to pronounce alloy (audio)
ˈal-ˌȯi
1
: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
2
: to mix so as to form an alloy
3
: to make worse by mixing with something else

Medical Definition

alloy

noun
1
: the degree of mixture with base metals
2
: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten
also : the state of union of the components
alloy transitive verb

More from Merriam-Webster on alloy

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