shot metal

Thân thiện

A hunter carefully pours shot metal into a mold to make pellets.

Definition

Noun: * An alloy primarily of lead and arsenic: "shot metal" specifically refers to a metallic alloy historically used in manufacturing small spherical projectiles, known as "shot," for firearms. Its traditional composition is approximately 98% lead and 2% arsenic.

Usage

• "Shot metal" is a technical, historical term. It is not used in everyday conversation but is found in texts related to metallurgy, historical manufacturing, or ammunition history.
• It functions as a compound noun where "shot" describes the purpose of the "metal" (the alloy).

Examples

• The old recipe for shot metal called for a precise mixture of lead and arsenic.
• Arsenic was added to the lead to create shot metal, which produced harder, rounder pellets.
• Studying the composition of shot metal provides insight into 19th-century ballistic technology.

Advanced Usage

• The term is largely obsolete in modern manufacturing, as the production of lead shot has evolved and the use of arsenic has been discontinued due to its toxicity.
• It may appear in historical analyses or discussions of antique ammunition.

Variants and Related Words

• Shot (n): The small spherical pellets made from this or similar alloys.
• Alloy (n): A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements.
• Lead shot (n): A more general term for small lead pellets, which may or may not contain arsenic.

Synonyms

• Shot alloy: A less common but technically accurate synonym.
• Arsenical lead: A descriptive term focusing on its composition.

Notes on Meaning

• The definition is highly specific and technical. The word "shot" in this compound does not carry its more common meanings (e.g., the act of firing, a photograph, an attempt). It refers exclusively to the small pellets.
• There are no idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this specific technical compound noun.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an alloy that is 98% lead and 2% arsenic; used in making small shot