Word
amalgam
Phoneticsamal·gam
US/əˈmæɫɡəm/
UK/ɐmˈælɡæm/
Definitions
01a mixture
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a mixture or combination of different things.
n. a combination or blend of diverse elements, ideas, or factors into a single whole.
Español:amalgama
“The new building is a strange amalgam of modern glass and traditional stone.”
“The film's soundtrack is a fascinating amalgam of traditional folk melodies and experimental electronic textures.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of'.
Teaching tip
In academic writing, this word suggests a more permanent or integrated blending than 'mixture'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02dental filling
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. a mixture of mercury and other metals used by dentists to fill holes in teeth.
n. an alloy of mercury with another metal or metals, specifically used as a restorative material in dentistry.
Español:amalgama
“The dentist replaced my old silver amalgam filling with a white one.”
“While composite resins are increasingly popular, dental amalgam remains a durable and cost-effective choice for posterior restorations.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the material itself.
Teaching tip
Most learners will only encounter this in a medical or scientific context.
Real-World Examples
“She was merely good at going to school.”
3 In the Fold (2005)
This novel is a perfect amalgam of the qualities of early Cusk: funny, cynical, rigorous and linguistically precise.” “Morita is the second Japanese player to represent Hull and his amalgam of experience and quality in a key position promise to prove invaluable.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin amalgama (“mercury alloy”), from Arabic اَلْمَلْغَم (al-malḡam, “emollient poultice or unguent for sores”), from Ancient Greek μάλαγμα (málagma, “emollient; malleable material”), from μαλάσσω (malássō, “to soften”), from μαλακός (malakós, “soft”). Doublet of malagma. For the verb, compare French amalgamer.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/amalgam
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0