metallic

[muh-tal-ik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of metal.

2. of the nature of or suggesting metal, as in luster, resonance, or hardness.

   metallic green; a harsh metallic sound.

3. Chemistry.

   1. (of a metal element) being in the free or uncombined state.

      metallic iron.

   2. containing or yielding metal.

noun

1. Textiles.

   1. a yarn or fiber made partly or entirely of metal and having a metallic appearance.

   2. a fabric made of such a yarn or fiber.

metallic

/ mɪˈtælɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or consisting of metal or a metal

2. suggestive of a metal

   a metallic click

   metallic lustre

3. chem (of a metal element) existing in the free state rather than in combination

   metallic copper

metallic

1. Relating to or having the characteristics of a metal.

Other Word Forms

• metallically adverb
• metallicity noun
• metalleity noun
• intermetallic adjective
• multimetallic adjective
• semimetallic adjective
• unmetallic adjective
• unmetallically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metallic¹

1560–70; < Latin metallicus < Greek metallikós of, for mines. See metal, -ic

Example Sentences

Unlike her own style, Maeve dresses in dark colors with heavy, metallic jewelry and sports a shaggy mullet.

From Los Angeles Times

Within minutes, he’d coaxed it back to life, the coils glowing faintly, the faint metallic tang of dust burning off as he wiped away that unmistakable film of neglect.

From Salon

Thomas bought this versatile, metallic beaded, three-layered necklace over a year ago, marking the start of her boho era, an amalgamation of everything she loves: eclectic accessories, natural textures, and a free-spirited ethos.

From Los Angeles Times

Andy Nicholson, the show’s production designer, said his team meticulously studied the film and books featuring fan renderings to help replicate its labyrinth of metallic corridors, cramped compartments and blinking command center.

From Los Angeles Times

The metallic scaffolding staging, the mythic scale of projections and the rhythmic flow of cast members, moving from one musical number to the next, freed the production from literal illustration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• golden 
• silvery