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REFERENCE

metal

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈmɛtəɫ// UK //mˈɛtəl// met·al
  1. 1 the material (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    a hard, usually shiny substance such as iron, gold, or steel that can conduct heat and electricity.

    any of a category of elements or alloys typically characterized by luster, malleability, and high electrical and thermal conductivity.

    Example

    The gate is made of heavy metal so it will not break easily.

    Example

    Modern aerospace engineering relies on lightweight metals that can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without losing structural integrity.
  2. 2 music style (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    a type of very loud rock music with strong beats and powerful guitars.

    a subgenre of rock music characterized by distorted guitar sounds, emphatic rhythms, and overall high volume.

    Example

    He loves listening to metal because the energy helps him focus while exercising.

    Example

    The festival lineup features a diverse array of metal bands, ranging from classic thrash to more experimental symphonic subgenres.
    • heavy metal
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  1. 3 railway tracks (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    the metal rails that a train travels on.

    the steel rails of a railway line. Often used in the plural.

    Example

    The train came off the metals during the storm, but luckily no one was hurt.

    Example

    Engineers were called to inspect the metals after reports of heat-induced warping threatened to disrupt the morning commute.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'the metals' in a railway context.
  2. 4 operating airline (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Technical Travel

    the actual airplane or airline that is flying, rather than the company that sold the ticket.

    the physical aircraft or the specific airline operating a flight in a codeshare agreement.

    Example

    I bought my ticket from Delta, but the flight is actually on Virgin metal.

    Example

    Frequent flyers often prefer to book through one partner while ensuring they are flying on the metal of a carrier with superior cabin service.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'on [Airline Name] metal'.
  3. 5 music-related (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Music

    relating to metal music, or having a bold and tough attitude like the music.

    pertaining to the genre of metal music or exhibiting the brash, unyielding characteristics associated with its subculture.

    Example

    That new guitar riff is so metal.

    Example

    The band's aesthetic was incredibly metal, featuring spiked leather jackets and dark, aggressive stage lighting.
  4. 6 to pave a road (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to cover a road with layers of small broken stones.

    to surface or repair a road using macadam or crushed stone.

    Example

    The workers began to metal the track to make it easier for trucks to drive on.

    Example

    The council decided to metal the rural pass to prevent the heavy rains from washing away the dirt track every spring.
Origin

From Middle English metal, a borrowing from Old French metal, from Latin metallum (“metal, mine, quarry, mineral”), itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek μέταλλον (métallon, “mine, quarry, metal”).

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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