Definition of "metal" in English

noun

1. (heading) Chemical elements or alloys, their ores, and the mines where their ores come from.

2. (heraldry) A light tincture used in a coat of arms, specifically argent (white or silver) and or (gold).

3. (glassblowing) Molten glass that is to be blown or moulded to form objects.

4. (music) A category of rock music encompassing a number of genres (including thrash metal, death metal, heavy metal, etc.) characterized by strong drumbeats and distorted guitars.

5. (figurative, archaic) The substance that constitutes something or someone; matter; hence, character or temper.

6. The effective power or calibre of guns carried by a vessel of war.

7. (UK, in the plural) The rails of a railway.

8. (informal, travel, aviation) The actual airline operating a flight, rather than any of the codeshare operators.

   • We have American Airlines tickets, but it's on British Airways metal.

adjective

1. (music) Characterized by strong drum-beats and distorted guitars.

2. Having the emotional or social characteristics associated with metal music; brash, bold, frank, unyielding, etc.

verb

1. To make a road using crushed rock, stones etc.