silver-free
|sil-ver-free|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɪlvərˌfriː/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɪlvəˌfriː/
without silver
Etymology
'silver-free' originates from Modern English, a compound of 'silver' and 'free'; 'silver' ultimately comes from Old English 'seolfor' meaning the metal 'silver', and 'free' comes from Old English 'frēo' where the sense used in compounds developed to mean 'without'.
'silver' changed from Old English 'seolfor' to Middle English 'silver' and then to modern English 'silver'; 'free' derives from Old English 'frēo' and developed into modern 'free'. The compound 'silver-free' is a recent Modern English formation (chiefly 20th century) used to indicate absence of silver.
Initially, the elements meant 'the metal silver' and 'not bound' respectively; combined as 'silver-free' they originally meant 'without silver' and this basic meaning has been retained while being applied in new technical or commercial contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not containing silver; free of silver content (used of materials, jewelry, coatings, or products that do not include elemental silver).
The company labeled the earrings as silver-free to reassure customers with metal allergies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/18 00:44