base metal
"Base metals" are common, inexpensive metals that are prone to oxidation and corrosion, contrasting with precious metals like gold and silver.
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Definition
B2General
(common)A common and inexpensive metal that is not considered precious.
Example
- Copper and aluminum are examples of base metals.
C1Chemistry
(technical, academic)A metal that oxidizes or corrodes easily and reacts with diluted hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen.
Example
- Iron is a base metal that rusts when exposed to moisture.
C1Metallurgy
(technical)The primary metal in an alloy, as opposed to the alloying elements.
Example
- In the alloy bronze, copper is the base metal.
C1Economics
(technical)A common, non-precious metal used in industrial applications.
Example
- The price of base metals like zinc and lead can affect the manufacturing industry.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "base metal":
bare metalpot metalwhite metalhard metalblack copperred copperheavy metal