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Glite Dictionary
nonmetallic

nonmetallic

1 5.2
Not made of metal, not shiny, and does not carry electricity well
  • adjective
  • /ˌnɒn.məˈtæl.ɪk/
translation icon : no metálico
  • In Hong Kong, the percentage share of total gross output of several industries has remained constant over the years; these include chemical products, rubber, and nonmetallic mineral products.
  • nonmetallic material
  • nonmetallic spatula
  • nonmetallic bowl

Examples

  • The search coil can detect through concrete, paving, mineralized ground, and any nonmetallic surface.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Nonmetallic food-grade bearings have been designed for washdown applications.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Materials used for these nonmetallic fasteners include Isoplast, Ultem, and PEEK.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The rotor in the FAST motor is constructed of copper or aluminum coils that carry the current and nonmetallic support and insulation materials.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Fluff, the mostly nonmetallic material leftover from recycled cars and trucks, includes glass, fibers, foams, and other plastics.

    Academic text (1992)

  • The pistons are made of carbon-carbon refractory composite material, an advanced nonmetallic material developed in the early 1960s for elevated-temperature aerostructure applications.

    Academic text (1995)

  • A nonmetallic air-operated diaphragm pump measures 5.56 in. wide by 7.37 in. long by 5.62 in. high and weighs less than 4 lb.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The chef prefers to mix ingredients in a nonmetallic bowl to avoid any reactions.

  • Construction workers often use nonmetallic tools to ensure safety when working with electricity.

  • Batteries made with nonmetallic components tend to be lighter and more environmentally friendly.

Synonyms

nonmetal
vsnonmetallic
5.2

Made from a material that is not a metal

is the same in meaning but appears in a different word form

Antonyms

metallic
85 4.3

Having the look or sound of a hard, shiny material used for coins

How Metallic

metallic
85 4.3
metalloid
  • Specialized
7.9
nonmetallic
1 5.2

Surface Forms

nonmetallic positive

Morphology

nonmetallic = metallic (transparent) = non + metal + ic

The word is formed by the productive negating prefix 'non-' attached to the adjective 'metallic', yielding a straightforward negation.

Etymology

Nonmetallic is made from non- meaning 'not' and metallic from metal, so it literally means 'not metal'. Think of plastic or sulfur that do not shine or carry electricity like metal; that's why nonmetallic things lack the usual metal qualities.