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

Example Sentences

Noun testing the properties of various alloys a part made of aluminum alloy
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Every franchise has its own version: some sort of mysterious ore or alloy, complete with its own lore and an overly complicated backstory. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 17 Nov. 2022 The performance of this material comes down to the amount of carbon and the alloy content. Sarah Wharton, Good Housekeeping, 7 Nov. 2022 An alloy steel handle provides a comfortable non-slip grip. Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2023 With a side-eject receiver and lever machined from alloy steel, the gun’s six-round tubular magazine loads from a side gate. Michael Dickerson, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2023 Instead of milling and bending with exacting labor to shape thousands of components, the primary tool is a robotic arm, adding liquified or powered metal alloys, layer by layer, to whatever part of the vehicle is being fabricated. Ned Potter, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Mar. 2023 All Dream Edition models include a glass canopy roof, Aero Dream forged alloy wheels and a Nappa leather interior, with pricing starting at $229,000. Louisa Ballhaus, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2023 The team was headed toward a Cleveland suburb to investigate an explosion and subsequent fire at the I. Schumann & Co. alloy factory that killed 46-year-old maintenance worker Steven Mullins and injured more than a dozen others Feb. 20, USA TODAY reported. Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2023 This Trusco toolbox features a heavy-duty alloy steel construction, and a convenient 14.8 x 4.8-inch footprint that’s convenient to store practically anywhere. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 5 Jan. 2023
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 See More

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 7 Jun. 2023.

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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