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alloy

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Definition of alloy

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈalɔɪ/

a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion:an alloy of nickel, bronze, and zinc [as modifier]:alloy wheels
an inferior metal mixed with a precious one.

verb

Pronunciation: /əˈlɔɪ/

[with object]

mix (metals) to make an alloy:alloying tin with copper to make bronze

Origin:

late 16th century: from Old French aloi (noun) and French aloyer (verb), both from Old French aloier, aleier 'combine', from Latin alligare 'bind'. In early use the term denoted the comparative purity of gold or silver; the sense 'mixture of metals' arose in the mid 17th century

alloy in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of alloy in the US English dictionary

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