| accordion |
a portable musical instrument having a keyboard and a pleated bellows that forces air through metal reeds to produce tones. [1/2 definitions] |
| acetylene |
a highly flammable colorless gas used esp. to cut and weld metal and to give light. |
| alloy |
a combined form of two or more metals, or of a metal with a nonmetal, sometimes using an inferior ingredient with a more costly one. [2/5 definitions] |
| alum |
any one of various double sulfates of a trivalent metal and a univalent metal. [1/2 definitions] |
| aluminum |
a chemical element that has thirteen protons in each nucleus, occurs commonly in ores such as bauxite, and in pure form is a strong lightweight corrosion-resistant silvery metal with many industrial uses. (symbol: Al) |
| amalgam |
a metal alloy containing mercury. [1/2 definitions] |
| amalgamate |
to blend with another metal. [1/4 definitions] |
| andiron |
one of a pair of metal structures that supports logs in a fireplace. |
| aneroid barometer |
a barometer that uses a thin metal disk covering a partial vacuum, such that a change in atmospheric pressure results in a corresponding change in the shape of the disk and moves the indicator needle. |
| anneal |
to heat and then slowly cool (esp. glass or metal) so as to strengthen and make less brittle. |
| anodize |
to cover a metal surface with a protective oxide electrolytically, the surface acting as the anode. |
| antenna |
a metal device that sends or receives electromagnetic signals. [1/2 definitions] |
| antimony |
a chemical element that has fifty-one protons in each nucleus and forms a brittle bluish white metal crystal, used in hard alloys, electrical components, and medicines. (symbol: Sb) |
| anvil |
a heavy, flat-topped metal block on which metal objects, often after heating, are hammered into shapes. [1/3 definitions] |
| Argand burner |
an oil or gas burner having a metal tube inside a cylindrical wick, through which air is conducted directly to the flame. |
| argent |
in heraldry, the metal silver or its color. [1/2 definitions] |
| ashcan |
a container, usu. of plastic or metal, that holds ashes or refuse. |
| assay |
an analysis or examination, esp. of an ore, metal, or drug, to determine its composition, quality, or potency. [1/8 definitions] |
| babbitt |
see "Babbitt metal." [2 definitions] |
| Babbitt metal |
a soft white metal alloy of tin, copper, and antimony that is used as a lining to reduce friction in bearings. |
| backhoe |
an excavating vehicle with a large metal bucket that is drawn toward the vehicle in a digging motion. |