metallic

Everyday

1. Metallic means made of metal or having the properties of metal. tree →
2. Metallic means looking shiny like metal («metallic paint», «metallic blue»). tree →
3. A metallic sound is hard and ringing; a metallic taste is like the taste of a coin. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on materials, metallic materials are usually shiny, hard, strong, and conduct heat and electricity; most are not magnetic except iron, nickel and cobalt. In art, metallic pens and paints are gold, silver and shiny colours. In stories, a metallic clang or taste adds detail.

Examples

• Copper is a metallic element. tree →
• The car is painted metallic silver. tree →
• Metallic materials conduct electricity. tree →
• We heard a metallic clang in the shed. tree →
• The water had a metallic taste. tree →
• I used metallic gold pens for the card. tree →
• Metallic objects feel cold to touch because they conduct heat. tree →

Note

Adjective from «metal»; spelt with double l. Trap: not all metallic things are magnetic — aluminium and copper are not. Do not confuse «metal» and «medal» (a prize).