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: 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
alloyed; alloying; alloys
2
: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
3
: to mix so as to form an alloy
: to lend itself to being alloyed
iron alloys well
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Noun
testing the properties of various alloys
a part made of aluminum alloy
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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
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
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 
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
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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on alloy
Nglish: Translation of alloy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of alloy for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alloy
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