Definition

1. Noun:
   • Impure zinc containing about three percent lead and other impurities (especially in the form of ingots): "Spelter" refers to a commercial grade of zinc that is not pure, typically containing lead and other elements, and is often traded in the form of solid blocks or bars.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old plumbing fixtures were made of spelter.
  • The foundry ordered several tons of spelter for the casting process.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Commercial Term: The term "spelter" is primarily used in historical, industrial, and commercial contexts to distinguish impure, commercial zinc from the pure metallic element.
  • In the 19th century, spelter was commonly used for die-casting and galvanizing.

Variants and Related Words

• Zinc (Zn): The pure chemical element.
• Ingot: A mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation, which is the typical form for spelter.

Synonyms

• Commercial zinc
• Crude zinc

Notes on Meaning

• The word "spelter" specifically denotes the impure form. It is not a synonym for pure zinc. Its usage has declined in modern technical English, where "zinc" is more common, often specified by grade (e.g., Prime Western Zinc) if impurity content is relevant.

Noun

1. impure zinc containing about three percent lead and other impurities (especially in the form of ingots)