Definition

Noun: A metallic element is any of a group of chemical elements characterized by properties such as being shiny (lustrous), malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. These elements typically form positive ions (cations) and basic oxides.

Usage

The term is used to categorize and describe elements based on their shared physical and chemical properties, distinguishing them from nonmetals and metalloids. * Iron is a common metallic element used in construction. * Scientists discovered a new metallic element in the mineral sample. * Copper, a metallic element, is excellent for electrical wiring.

Advanced Usage

• In technical contexts, metallic element can refer specifically to elements in their pure, unalloyed state.
  • The reactor requires a coating of the pure metallic element zirconium.
• The term is often used in contrast to "nonmetallic element."
  • The periodic table is divided into metallic elements on the left and nonmetals on the right.

Variants and Related Words

• Metal (noun): This is the more common, general term. While often synonymous, "metal" can also refer to alloys (mixtures of elements), whereas "metallic element" strictly refers to the pure chemical element.
  • Steel is a strong metal (alloy), but its primary component is the metallic element iron.
• Metalloid (noun): An element with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals (e.g., silicon, arsenic).

Synonyms

• Metal (in the context of pure elements)
• Electropositive element (refers to its tendency to lose electrons)

Antonyms

• Nonmetallic element
• Nonmetal

Noun

1. any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.