Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Consisting completely of metal: Describes an object or structure that is made entirely from metal, with no other primary materials used in its main construction.

Usage

• The word "all-metal" is used attributively, meaning it is placed directly before a noun to describe it.
• It emphasizes that the object's primary material composition is exclusively metal, distinguishing it from objects made of composite, wood, plastic, or other materials.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company manufactured an all-metal chassis for the new truck.
  • Early all-metal aircraft were a significant advancement in aviation.
  • For durability, they chose an all-metal body for the appliance.

Advanced Usage

• Technical and Historical Context: The term is often used in engineering, manufacturing, and historical descriptions to highlight a shift in material technology.
  • The transition from wooden to all-metal construction revolutionized shipbuilding.

Variants and Related Words

• Metal (noun/adjective): The material itself; or something made of this material.
• Metallic (adjective): Having the properties of metal, such as luster or conductivity; or containing metal.

Synonyms

• Fully metallic: Composed entirely of metal.
• Solid metal: Made of solid metal material (though this can sometimes imply a lack of hollow parts, whereas "all-metal" specifies material only).

Notes

• "All-metal" is a compound adjective. Its meaning is specific and should not be confused with objects that are merely "metal-plated," "metal-reinforced," or have only a metal surface.
• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with this specific compound adjective.

Adjective

1. consisting completely of metal
   • all-metal airplanes