non-metallic
|non/me/tal/lic|
B2
/nɒn məˈtælɪk/
not metal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'non-metallic' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'metallic' from Latin 'metallicus', meaning 'of metal'.
Historical Evolution
'Non-metallic' evolved from the combination of 'non-' and 'metallic', which was used in Middle English as 'metallicus'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not of metal', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not containing or resembling metal.
The non-metallic surface was smooth and shiny.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/01 04:59