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
The 18-karat yellow gold alloy is softer and paler than traditional gold. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2023 The back of the cursor conveyor is an open web of triangular and trapezoidal shapes made of a lightweight magnesium alloy. WIRED, 4 Feb. 2023 Instead of bending metal and milling and welding, engineers program a robot to deposit layers of metal alloy in place. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Jan. 2023 The airship was constructed with girders made from Duralumin (an early kind of aluminum alloy), 17 lifting gas cells, 12 fuel gas cells, and five 550-horsepower engines. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 The charge case is an attractive number made of an anodized aluminum alloy. Brad Moon, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 RéVive RéVolve Contouring Massage Roller BEST SCULPTING / CONTOURING TOOL RéVive’s chic, tri-head RéVolve roller is made from cooling alloy and helps improve the look of skin for less visible puffiness and a firmer, more contoured appearance. Natalie Alcala, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2023 The video on Swatch’s Instagram suggests the new version will be coming in Moonshine Gold, which is Omega’s proprietary 18-karat yellow gold alloy, a softer version of the traditional metal that’s said to be resistant to fading over time. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2023 However, many of the multi-step step stools are made of aluminum or alloy steel. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2023
Verb
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 Founded in 1921, O’Neal Steel manufactures carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel and aluminum products and has 18 distribution centers throughout the U.S. William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, 1 Aug. 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 30 Mar. 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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