Definition

A mixture of two or more metals that are combined to create a new material with different properties.

Example

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc.

Conversation

Did you know that brass is an alloy of zinc and copper?

Really? I had no idea it was made up of different metals.

Yeah, alloy materials are often used in manufacturing for their strength.

That makes sense! It’s fascinating how they combine metals like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To mix two or more metals together to create a new material with different properties, or to combine something with another element that may lessen its quality.

Example

The jeweler decided to alloy gold with silver to create a new type of jewelry.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that some artists alloy different metals to create unique sculptures?

Really? I had no idea that was a technique used in art.

Yeah, it adds an interesting dimension to the final piece.

Root Explanation

Alloy comes from the Old French 'aleier' (meaning to combine or mix) and the Latin 'ad' (meaning to) and 'ligare' (meaning to bind). The word describes the process of binding or combining different metals together to form a new material.

Memory Tip

Think of 'combining' ('aleier') different metals to 'bind' them together ('ligare') — that's what alloy means.

Visually Confused Words