ENGLISH
REFERENCE

silver

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈsɪɫvɝ// UK //sˈɪlvɐ// sil·ver General-service
Definition

n. a shiny, grey-white metal that is very valuable. People use it to make jewelry, coins, and expensive forks or spoons.

n. a lustrous, white, ductile metallic element with the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. Often used as a medium of exchange, in jewelry, or for high-end tableware.


SIMPLE

She wears a beautiful ring made of silver.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum displays ancient coins made of solid silver that were found in the ocean.

COMPLEX

While gold remains the traditional hedge against inflation, silver often experiences higher price volatility due to its extensive industrial applications in electronics and solar energy technology.

Origin

As a surname, anglicised from the German Jewish ornamental surname Silber.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the metal or color; can be used as a modifier before other nouns like 'silver spoon'.

Idioms7 entries

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