german silver
Noun: - A silver-white alloy: German silver is a metallic alloy that resembles silver in color but contains no actual silver. It is composed primarily of copper, zinc, and nickel.
German silver is used in the manufacturing of various items where a silver-like appearance is desired at a lower cost. It is common in tableware, jewelry, musical instruments (like flute keys and zippers), and decorative items. - The antique tea set was made of german silver, not sterling silver. - Many keys on older wind instruments are crafted from german silver.
- As a technical/material term: In industrial and craft contexts, "german silver" specifies the material composition for purposes like plating, machining, or identifying an object's construction.
- The machinist ordered a rod of german silver for the custom fitting.
- Nickel silver: This is the more common modern term for the same alloy, used to avoid the national reference. "German silver" and "nickel silver" are synonymous.
- The specification called for nickel silver wire.
- Nickel silver
- Alpacca (a variant spelling, sometimes used commercially)
- White copper (a less common term)
This term refers specifically to the alloy itself. It is not a type of silver (like sterling silver) but a distinct, silver-colored material. The name originates from its development by German metalworkers in the 19th century.
- a silver-white alloy containing copper and zinc and nickel