metallic

(mə talik)

adjective

  1. of, or having the nature of, metal
  2. containing, yielding, or producing metal
  3. like, characteristic of, or suggestive of metal; specif.,: a metallic sound
    1. sharp or bitter: a metallic taste
    2. reflectively iridescent: metallic cloth
    3. harsh or rasping

Origin: L metallicus < Gr metallikos

Related Forms:

See metallic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a metal.
  2. Containing a metal: a metallic compound.
  3. Having a quality suggesting or associated with metal, especially:
    a. Lustrous; sparkling: metallic colors.
    b. Sharp-tasting: an unpleasant, metallic flavor.
  4. Harshly resonant: “the strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades” (Ambrose Bierce).
noun
  1. A yarn or fiber made of or containing metal.
  2. A fabric, typically shiny or iridescent, made of such yarn or fiber.

Related Forms:

  • me·talˈli·cal·ly adverb

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