English Reference

Word

moly

US/ˈmoʊɫi/

UK/mˈəʊli/

Definition

n. a slang name for the metal molybdenum. It is often used in casual talk about heavy machinery or industrial tools.

n. a colloquial or slang term for molybdenum, a metallic element with high melting point and strength. Common in industrial and mechanical contexts.

Examples

“The mechanic used a moly coating on the engine parts.”

“The factory workers referred to the high-strength alloy as moly because it was essential for the heavy-duty presses.”

“While the technical specifications listed the alloy as a molybdenum-steel composite, the crew simply called it moly, reflecting the informal jargon of the industrial floor.”

Examples

simple

“The mechanic used a moly coating on the engine parts.”

contextual

“The factory workers referred to the high-strength alloy as moly because it was essential for the heavy-duty presses.”

complex

“While the technical specifications listed the alloy as a molybdenum-steel composite, the crew simply called it moly, reflecting the informal jargon of the industrial floor.”

Etymology

From Latin mōly, from Ancient Greek μῶλυ (môlu) (probably a loanword).

Clipping of molybdenum.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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