metal
word
Definition
A metal is a hard material like iron, gold, or aluminum that is usually strong, shiny, and able to conduct heat and electricity. The word can also refer to a style of loud rock music, but the material meaning is the main one.
Usage & Nuances
Most often uncountable when talking about the material in general: 'made of metal'. As a countable noun, 'a metal' means a specific type such as iron or copper. Common collocations include 'metal door', 'metal bar', 'heavy metal', and 'scrap metal'.
Example Sentences
This spoon is made of metal.
basic
The box has a metal handle.
basic
Gold is a valuable metal.
basic
I dropped my phone on the metal floor, and now the screen is cracked.
natural
You can hear the rain hitting the metal roof all night.
natural
My brother is really into metal, so his playlists are always intense.
natural