Metal

(mēt'al, or mĕt'l) (Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. métal, Pr. metal, metalli, Sp. & Pg. metal, It. metallo, Lat. metallum, Gr. μέταλλον, Ger. & Sw. metall, Dan. metal, D. metaal, Ir. miotal, Gael. meiteal, W. mettel.]

1Sense 1. A substance having a peculiar luster, called the metallic, whether in the mass or in powder, insoluble in water, a good conductor of heat and electricity, and usually solid at ordinary temperatures. The metals are found either native, or in combination with oxygen, sulphur, and some other elements, constituting ores. Most of the so-called elements are metals.

2Sense 2. Courage; spirit; mettle. See METTLE.

3Sense 3. The broken stone used for covering macadamized roads. [Eng.]

4Sense 4. The effective power or caliber of guns carried by a vessel of war. Totten.

5Sense 5. Glass in a state of fusion. Simmonds.

Muntz metal, an alloy for sheathing and other purposes, consisting of fifty per cent. of copper, forty-one of zinc, and about four of lead; named from the inventor. Tomlinson.

(or mĕt'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. METALED; p. pr. & vb. n. METALING.] To cover with broken stone, as roads, and the like.