/ ˈmetl; NAmE / noun
[ C , U ] a type of solid mineral substance that is usually hard and shiny and that heat and electricity can travel through, for example tin, iron, and gold :
a piece of metal
a metal pipe / bar / box
The frame is made of metal.
—see also heavy metal , precious metal
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French metal or Latin metallum , from Greek metallon mine, quarry, or metal.