smelter

noun

smelt·​er ˈsmel-tər 

: one that smelts:

a

: a worker who smelts ore

b

: an owner or operator of a smeltery

c

or smeltery

ˈsmel-t(ə-)rē 

: an establishment for smelting

Examples of smelter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Without proper treatment, high-arsenic copper concentrate faces heavy smelter discounts or becomes unsellable. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Indonesia imposed a ban on nickel ore exports to encourage smelters to move refining operations to the country; the country is now pushing to attract more of the EV value chain, including car and battery manufacturing. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

Production disruptions and weak output in Chile, the world’s biggest producer, sent prices to record highs, with the US accumulating huge stockpiles and smelters in China forced to turn to scraps to meet that country’s industrial needs. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026

In working to raise its limited manufacturing capacity, Indonesia has a strong ally in China, which makes 60% of the world's aluminum but is keen to reduce pollution and emissions from smelters on its own shores. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for smelter

• belter
• melter
• shelter
• skelter
• spelter
• welter

Kids Definition

smelter

noun

smelt·​er ˈsmel-tər 

1

: a person whose work or business is smelting

2

or smeltery

-tə-rē

: an establishment for smelting