1
: the degree of mixture with base metals : fineness
2
: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten
also
: the state of union of the components
3
a
: an admixture that lessens value
b
: an impairing alien element
4
: a compound, mixture, or union of different things
an ethnic alloy of many peoples
5
archaic
: a metal mixed with a more valuable metal to give durability or some other desired quality
alloyed; alloying; alloys
2
: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
3
: to mix so as to form an alloy
: to lend itself to being alloyed
iron alloys well
Synonyms
Examples of alloy in a Sentence
Noun
testing the properties of various alloys
a part made of aluminum alloy
Recent Examples on the Web
New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024
The Corrale is one of our favorite flatirons for its two flexible manganese copper alloy plates that gently bend around your hair so the shape is retained rather than smooshed.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2024
Mary Hui, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2023
Tungsten alloy spikes that protrude ever-so-slightly from the lugs of these shoes turn slick, icy conditions into regular trail.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 26 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for alloy 
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Noun
Both the belt and chain variants are built around a 6061 aluminum alloy frame and fork with an adjustable stem for improved comfort and fit.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024
The Corrale is one of our favorite flatirons for its two flexible manganese copper alloy plates that gently bend around your hair so the shape is retained rather than smooshed.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
Chemical procesess separate out individual rare earth elements, and further refining and alloying processes produce high-purity metals for use in manufacturing.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2023
Tungsten alloy spikes that protrude ever-so-slightly from the lugs of these shoes turn slick, icy conditions into regular trail.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 26 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for alloy
Dictionary Entries Near alloy
Cite this Entry
“Alloy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloy. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alloy
1 of 2 noun
al·loy
ˈal-ˌȯi 
ə-ˈlȯi
: a substance consisting of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal united usually by being melted together
alloy
2 of 2 verb
al·loy
ə-ˈlȯi
ˈal-ˌȯi
1
: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
2
: to mix so as to form an alloy
3
: to make worse by mixing with something else
Medical Definition
1
: the degree of mixture with base metals
2
: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten
also
: the state of union of the components
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