non-ferrous
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not containing iron: "non-ferrous" describes metals or alloys that do not contain iron in significant amounts. This term is used to distinguish materials like aluminum, copper, brass, or zinc from ferrous metals (which contain iron, such as steel).
Usage Examples
- (Aluminum does not contain iron.)
- (Non-ferrous metals are not attracted to magnets.)
- (Copper lacks iron, so it does not corrode like steel.)
Advanced Usage
"Non-ferrous metallurgy": the branch of metallurgy dealing with metals that do not contain iron.
- He specializes in non-ferrous metallurgy, focusing on aluminum and titanium. (He works with iron-free metals.)
"Non-ferrous scrap": waste metal that does not contain iron, often recycled for its value.
- The factory collects non-ferrous scrap like copper wire and brass fittings. (These materials are sold for recycling.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ferrous (adj): containing or relating to iron.
- Ferrous metals, such as steel, are magnetic. (Iron-based metals.)
- Ferrous alloy (n): a mixture of metals that includes iron.
- Cast iron is a ferrous alloy. (It contains iron.)
Synonyms
- Iron-free: not containing iron.
- Iron-free metals are preferred for electrical wiring. (Non-ferrous metals.)
- Nonmagnetic: not attracted to magnets (often true for non-ferrous metals).
- Copper is nonmagnetic. (It is not magnetic like iron.)
Related Idioms