metalloid

1 of 2

noun

met·​al·​loid ˈme-tə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce metalloid (audio)
1
: an element intermediate in properties between the typical metals and nonmetals
2
: a nonmetal that can combine with a metal to form an alloy
variants or less commonly metalloidal
1
: resembling a metal
2
: of, relating to, or being a metalloid

Examples of metalloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
But in practice, ‘heavy metal’ is often used to refer to a subset of metals and metalloids with harmful effects on human health. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024 Antimony, a soft, shiny metalloid, is used in explosives, ammunition and now in semiconductors, solar panels and night vision gear. Christopher Helman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 The highest concentration of any metalloid found in the tampons overall was zinc. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 July 2024 Because this process is capable of absorbing any heavy metal or metalloid... IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2024 While its 167°F temperature prohibits swimming, visitors can admire the pool’s technicolor beauty that ranges from fluorescent blue-green waters to a neon orange ring of metalloid deposits. Condé Nast Traveller, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Dec. 2023 Germanium is a hard, grayish-white and brittle metalloid that is used in the production of optical fibers that can transmit light and electronic data. Laura He, CNN, 11 Oct. 2023 The younger generation is ably represented by Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/the Flash, who relishes his role as the team’s lightning-limbed goofball, and also by Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg, whose brooding metalloid stare bespeaks an unusually rough backstory. Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2021 Prices for the purified metalloid have touched $25.88 a kilogram, from $6.19 less than a year ago, according to PVInsights. Compiled Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun

metall-, form in derivation of metal entry 1 + -oid entry 1, after German Metalloide & French métalloïde

Adjective

metall-, form in derivation of metal entry 1 + -oid entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of metalloid was in 1813

Dictionary Entries Near metalloid

Cite this Entry

“Metalloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metalloid. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

metalloid

noun
met·​al·​loid
ˈmet-ᵊl-ˌȯid
: an element that has some characteristics of metals and some of nonmetals
metalloid adjective

Medical Definition

metalloid

1 of 2 noun
met·​al·​loid ˈmet-ᵊl-ˌȯid How to pronounce metalloid (audio)
: an element (as boron, silicon, or arsenic) intermediate in properties between the typical metals and nonmetals

metalloid

2 of 2 adjective
variants also metalloidal
1
: resembling a metal
2
: of, relating to, or being a metalloid

More from Merriam-Webster on metalloid

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