alloy
n. C / Un. a metal that is made by mixing two or more different metals together. People do this to make a metal that is stronger or lighter than the original ones.
n. a metallic substance composed of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Created to enhance specific properties like hardness, corrosion resistance, or conductivity.
Steel is a common alloy made of iron and carbon.
The aerospace industry uses a specialized aluminum alloy to ensure the plane is both lightweight and durable.
By adjusting the ratio of copper to zinc, manufacturers can produce various types of brass, each being an alloy with distinct acoustic and aesthetic properties.
Borrowed from Middle French alloy, aloy, from Old French aloi, from aloiier, from Latin alligō.
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”).
Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable when referring to specific types or chemical compositions.