alloy
n. · v.-
1 metal mixture (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencea metal made by mixing two or more types of metal together to make it stronger or better.
a metallic substance composed of two or more elements, typically to enhance properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, or conductivity.
ExampleBrass is a common alloy made by mixing copper and zinc.
ExampleThe aerospace industry relies on titanium alloys because they offer an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and can withstand extreme temperatures.
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2 a combination of things (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya mix of different things, qualities, or feelings.
a mixture or fusion of different non-physical elements, such as emotions or ideas.
ExampleThe book was a strange alloy of adventure and philosophy.
ExampleHer happiness was a complex alloy of relief that the ordeal was over and sadness for those left behind.
Teacher's tipThis figurative use is mostly found in formal literature and may sound overly poetic in everyday conversation.
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3 to mix metals (v.) C1 Advanced Technical Scienceto mix one metal with another.
to combine different metals or elements to form an alloy.
ExampleThe factory alloys aluminum with magnesium to create car parts.
ExampleBy alloying the base metal with chromium, the manufacturer significantly improved the durability of the final product.
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4 to spoil or weaken (v.) C2 Proficiency Literary Archaicto make something less pure or less good by adding something else to it.
to debase, impair, or reduce the purity of something by adding an inferior substance or quality.
ExampleHis joy was alloyed by the thought of the work he still had to do.
ExampleThe victory was alloyed by the heavy casualties sustained during the final assault, leaving the commander in a somber mood.
UsageCommonly used in the passive voice or as a past participle to describe feelings.
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”).