'metal-like' originates from the English word 'metal' combined with the suffix '-like', where 'metal' refers to a solid material that is typically hard, shiny, and has good electrical and thermal conductivity.

'metal' comes from the Old French word 'metal', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'metallum', meaning 'mine, quarry, metal'.

Initially, 'metal' referred to any solid material found in the earth, but over time it evolved to specifically denote elements with metallic properties.