# alloy

/ˈæˌɫɔɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alloy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. metal mixture

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a metal made by mixing two or more types of metal together to make it stronger or better.

For teachers: a metallic substance composed of two or more elements, typically to enhance properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, or conductivity.

- Brass is a common alloy made by mixing copper and zinc.
- The aerospace industry relies on titanium alloys because they offer an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and can withstand extreme temperatures.

### 2. a combination of things

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a mix of different things, qualities, or feelings.

For teachers: a mixture or fusion of different non-physical elements, such as emotions or ideas.

- The book was a strange alloy of adventure and philosophy.
- Her happiness was a complex alloy of relief that the ordeal was over and sadness for those left behind.

Teaching tip: This figurative use is mostly found in formal literature and may sound overly poetic in everyday conversation.

### 3. to mix metals

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to mix one metal with another.

For teachers: to combine different metals or elements to form an alloy.

- The factory alloys aluminum with magnesium to create car parts.
- By alloying the base metal with chromium, the manufacturer significantly improved the durability of the final product.

### 4. to spoil or weaken

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

to make something less pure or less good by adding something else to it.

For teachers: to debase, impair, or reduce the purity of something by adding an inferior substance or quality.

- His joy was alloyed by the thought of the work he still had to do.
- The victory was alloyed by the heavy casualties sustained during the final assault, leaving the commander in a somber mood.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive voice or as a past participle to describe feelings.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.