Meaning & use
nonmetallic
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparablechemistry
(Of a chemical element) not having the properties of a metal; not metallic.
Grammar: Used mainly before a noun, e.g. 'nonmetallic element'.
Patterns
- nonmetallic element
- nonmetallic mineral
Oxygen is a nonmetallic element essential for life.
The compound contains both metallic and nonmetallic atoms.
Sulfur is a nonmetallic solid at room temperature.
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
(Of a material or substance) not containing metal or not resembling metal.
Grammar: Often used to describe materials like plastic, glass, or wood.
Patterns
- nonmetallic material
- nonmetallic surface
The pipes are made of a nonmetallic material to prevent rust.
She preferred nonmetallic jewelry, such as wooden beads.
The nonmetallic coating gave the table a matte finish.
Common combinations
- nonmetallic element
- Carbon is a nonmetallic element found in all living things.
- nonmetallic mineral
- Quartz is a common nonmetallic mineral.
- nonmetallic material
- The car's interior uses nonmetallic materials for safety.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nonmetal
- Nonmetal is a noun for the element itself; nonmetallic is an adjective describing something that lacks metal properties.
Opposites
Word family
Practice
Which sentence uses 'nonmetallic' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Oxygen is a nonmetal, so 'nonmetallic element' is correct. Iron, gold, and silver are metals, so they are not nonmetallic.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nonmetallic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.