Words / A2

METL/ˈmetl/

Metal is a hard material such as iron, steel, or gold: a metal chair, scrap metal, metal detector. Wooden and plastic are material contrasts. Medal is a prize disc made of metal — mix-up. Steal is a verb. Do not write metal when you mean medal, or mettle (later).

Meaning

A hard material such as iron, steel, or gold.

Examples

• “The old bridge is made of metal and wood.”
• “Do not put metal in this microwave.”
• “The old metal steps were slippery in the rain.”

Good to know

a metal chair / detector. Contrasts: wood, plastic. Mix-up: medal.

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