Definition

A strong and lightweight metal made from a mixture of aluminum and other metals like copper and magnesium, often used in aircraft and other structures.

Example

The airplane's wings were made of duralumin to ensure they were both strong and light.

Conversation

Have you heard about duralumin?

Yeah, it's that lightweight metal, right?

Exactly! It’s often used in aircraft because it’s so strong.

I read that it’s also resistant to corrosion, which is pretty cool.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Duralumin is a blend of 'dur-' (from Latin 'durus', meaning hard) and 'alumin' (derived from aluminum, which comes from the Latin 'alumen', meaning bitter salt). The word refers to a hard alloy of aluminum, emphasizing its strength and durability.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dur' meaning hard, which helps you remember that duralumin is a strong, hard alloy of aluminum.

Visually Confused Words