metallurgy
/məˈtæl.ə.dʒi/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The science and technology of metals. It studies how to extract metals from ores, shape them, and improve their properties.
- She studied metallurgy at university.
- Metallurgy helps make stronger steel.
- Copper metallurgy is very old.
Adinary Nuance
Metallurgy is broader than metalwork. Metalwork is the practical making of metal objects, while metallurgy is the science behind metals. It is also more specific than engineering, because it focuses on metals and alloys. Use metallurgy in academic, industrial, or technical contexts.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- luyện kim
- Spanish
- metalurgia
- Chinese
- 冶金
- Japanese
- 冶金
- Korean
- 야금
Etymology
Metallurgy comes from Greek roots meaning “metal” and “work.” It entered English through Latin and French in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
ferrous metallurgyextractive metallurgypowder metallurgymetallurgy industry
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is metallurgy the same as metalwork?
- No. Metalwork is making metal objects. Metallurgy is the study of metals and how they behave.
- Is metallurgy a common word?
- It is common in science, engineering, and industry, but not in everyday speech.
- Is metallurgy used in academic writing?
- Yes. It is a normal word in engineering, materials science, and research writing.
- What is the adjective form of metallurgy?
- The adjective is metallurgical, as in metallurgical process or metallurgical plant.