I. ˈmed. ə lˌȯid, -et ə l- noun
( -s )
Etymology: metall- + -oid
1. archaic : an alkali metal (as sodium) or an alkaline-earth metal (as calcium)
2.
a. : nonmetal
b. : a nonmetal (as carbon or nitrogen) that can combine with a metal to form an alloy
low metalloid steel (almost pure iron) — Steelways
c. : an element (as boron, silicon, arsenic, or tellurium) intermediate in properties between the typical metals and nonmetals — compare semiconductor
II. adjective
also met·al·loi·dal | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|ȯid ə l
Etymology: metalloid from metalloid, n.; metalloidal from metalloid + -al
1. : resembling a metal
2. : of, relating to, or being a metalloid