smelt

word

Definition

To smelt means to heat and melt metal ore in order to extract pure metal. 'Smelt' can also refer to a type of small fish found in cold waters.

Usage & Nuances

'Smelt' as a verb is technical and often used in chemistry or geology. As a noun, 'smelt' (the fish) rarely comes up except in biology or regional cuisine. Do not confuse with 'smelled' (past tense of smell), which is unrelated.

Example Sentences

We tried fried smelt at the seafood market.

natural

Modern factories smelt metals using huge furnaces.

natural

They smelt iron ore to make steel.

basic

A smelt is a small fish found in cold lakes.

basic

Copper can be smelted from its ore.

basic

Did you know they used to smelt gold by hand?

natural