alloy

1 of 2

noun

al·​loy ˈa-ˌlȯi 

also

ə-ˈlȯi 

1

: the degree of mixture with base metals : fineness

2

: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten

also : the state of union of the components

3

a

: an admixture that lessens value

b

: an impairing alien element

4

: a compound, mixture, or union of different things

an ethnic alloy of many peoples

5

archaic : a metal mixed with a more valuable metal to give durability or some other desired quality

alloy

2 of 2

verb

al·​loy ə-ˈlȯi 

also

ˈa-ˌlȯi 

alloyed; alloying; alloys

transitive verb

1

a

: temper, moderate

b

: to impair or debase by admixture

2

: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal

3

: to mix so as to form an alloy

intransitive verb

: to lend itself to being alloyed

iron alloys well

Synonyms

Noun

• admixture
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• blend
• cocktail
• combination
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• fusion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture
• synthesis

Examples of alloy in a Sentence

Noun

testing the properties of various alloys

a part made of aluminum alloy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The plates are made from a unique flexing copper alloy that conforms to the shape of your hair to smooth strands with less heat damage. —Cai Cramer, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024

Now all Subaru’s have a foot activated, hands free, power rear lift gate option and an upgrade to 19″ sport alloy wheels. —Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2024

Verb

Chemical procesess separate out individual rare earth elements, and further refining and alloying processes produce high-purity metals for use in manufacturing. —Mary Hui, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2023

Tungsten alloy spikes that protrude ever-so-slightly from the lugs of these shoes turn slick, icy conditions into regular trail. —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 26 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French aloi, from Old French alei, from aleir to combine, from Latin alligare to bind — more at ally

First Known Use

Noun

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

alloy

1 of 2 noun

al·​loy ˈal-ˌȯi 

ə-ˈlȯi

: a substance consisting of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal united usually by being melted together

alloy

2 of 2 verb

al·​loy ə-ˈlȯi 

ˈal-ˌȯi

1

: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal

2

: to mix so as to form an alloy

3

: to make worse by mixing with something else

Medical Definition

alloy

noun

al·​loy ˈal-ˌȯi  ə-ˈlȯi 

1

: the degree of mixture with base metals

2

: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten

also : the state of union of the components

alloy

ə-ˈlȯi  ˈal-ˌȯi 

transitive verb