March 26 2009

met⋅al

1.	any of a class of elementary substances, as gold, silver, or copper, all of which are crystalline when solid and many of which are characterized by opacity, ductility, conductivity, and a unique luster when freshly fractured.

2.	Chemistry. a. such a substance in its pure state, as distinguished from alloys. b. an element yielding positively charged ions in aqueous solutions of its salts.

3.	an alloy or mixture composed wholly or partly of such substances, as brass.

4.	an object made of metal.

5.	formative material; stuff.

Rachel