Definition

A building or place where metal is melted and purified.

Example

The workers at the smeltery carefully monitored the temperature of the furnace.

Conversation

Have you ever visited a smeltery?

No, I haven't. What is it like?

It's actually pretty fascinating to see how metals are melted down.

That sounds cool! I'd love to check one out sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Smeltery → The word is formed from "smelt" (from Old English *smealtan*, meaning to melt or fuse) and the suffix "-ery" (meaning a place associated with a specific activity). A smeltery is a place where metals are melted or fused.

Memory Tip

Think of a place where metals are 'melted' ('smelt') — that's what a smeltery is, a location for melting metals.

Visually Confused Words