Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not containing or resembling or characteristic of a metal: Describes a substance that does not have the physical or chemical properties typical of metals, such as luster, malleability, ductility, or good conductivity of heat and electricity.

2. Noun:

   • A chemical element lacking typical metallic properties: An element that generally is not shiny, is a poor conductor of heat and electricity, and is not malleable or ductile. Nonmetals are often found on the right side of the periodic table.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Oxygen and carbon are nonmetal elements.
  • The material has a nonmetal, brittle texture.

• Noun:

  • Hydrogen is the lightest nonmetal.
  • Sulfur is a nonmetal that is yellow in its pure form.

Advanced Usage

• Nonmetal character: Refers to the degree to which an element exhibits properties of a nonmetal.
  • The nonmetal character of the elements increases across a period in the periodic table.

Variants and Related Words

• Nonmetallic (adj): Having the properties of a nonmetal; not metallic. Often used interchangeably with the adjective form of "nonmetal."
  • The nonmetallic luster of the mineral helped identify it.

Synonyms

• Nonmetallic (adj): Not having a metallic appearance or properties.
• Insulator (noun, in specific contexts): A substance that does not readily conduct electricity or heat, a property common to many nonmetals.

Antonyms

• Metal (noun/adjective): An element or substance with high electrical conductivity, luster, and malleability.
• Metallic (adjective): Having the properties of a metal.

Adjective

1. not containing or resembling or characteristic of a metal
   • nonmetallic elements

Noun

1. a chemical element lacking typical metallic properties