What does "alloy" mean?
A metal that is a combination of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, a base metal.
Alloy
/ˈæ.lɔɪ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A metal that is a combination of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, a base metal.
- Grammar: alloy is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: admix, admixture, admixture, adulterate.
- Useful contrasts: dissolve, disunite, pure metal.
- Usage evidence: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
How to use "alloy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "alloy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "alloy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "alloy" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "alloy" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "admix" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "alloy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A metal that is a combination of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, a base metal. countable, uncountable
- 2 the state of impairing the quality or reducing the value of something wordnet
- 3 A metal of lesser value, mixed with a metal of greater value. archaic, countable, uncountable
"gold without alloy"
- 4 a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten wordnet
- 5 An admixture; something added which stains, taints etc. countable, uncountable
"Metrodorus said that in sadnesse there is some aloy of pleasure."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Fusion, marriage, combination. countable, figuratively, uncountable
"SETH KITANGE TELEVISION AND RADIO Upheaval at CBS. […] Bill Moyers, a CBS News commentator and special correspondent, expressed his dismay in an interview with Newsweek in which he said, “Television news has never been pure. It has always been an alloy of journalism and show business.”"
Verb
- 1 To mix or combine; often used of metals.
- 2 make an alloy of wordnet
- 3 To reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable substance.
"to alloy gold with silver or copper, or silver with copper"
- 4 lower in value by increasing the base-metal content wordnet
- 5 To impair or debase by mixture. figuratively
"to alloy pleasure with misfortunes"
Example
"Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "alloy"?
Common synonyms include: admix, admixture, admixture, adulterate, aggravate, aggregate.
How do you use "alloy" in a sentence?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
How do you pronounce "alloy"?
Pronounced /ˈæ.lɔɪ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from Middle French alloy, aloy, from Old French aloi, from aloiier, from Latin alligō.
Etymology 2
Modification of Middle English alayen after Etymology 1, from Middle French allayer, vairant of allier, from Old French allier (“assemble, join”), from Latin alligare (“bind to, tie to”), compound of ad (“to”) + ligare (“to bind”).