Definition

Noun 1. A type of brass alloy: A specific category of brass, which is a metal alloy primarily of copper and zinc. This type is characterized by having a higher zinc content and greater strength than a category called alpha brass. It is commonly used in industrial processes such as casting (pouring molten metal into a mold) and hot-working (shaping metal while it is hot).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer specified yellow metal for the valve body due to its strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Many historical nautical fittings were made from yellow metal.
  • The foundry specializes in producing yellow metal castings for the plumbing industry.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In metallurgy and engineering, "yellow metal" is a technical term for high-strength, high-zinc brass alloys like muntz metal or alpha-beta brass. It is not a synonym for gold.
  • The corrosion properties of the yellow metal were tested in seawater.

Variants and Related Words

• Muntz metal (n): A common type of yellow metal, specifically about 60% copper and 40% zinc, often used for sheathing on boat hulls.
• Alpha-beta brass (n): The metallurgical classification for yellow metal, indicating its mixed crystalline structure.
• Brass (n): The broader family of copper-zinc alloys to which yellow metal belongs.
• Naval brass (n): A related, strong brass alloy often containing tin, used in marine environments.

Synonyms

• High-strength brass
• Alpha-beta brass (technical)
• Muntz metal (specific type)

Notes on Meaning

• Important Distinction: While "yellow metal" can informally describe any metal with a yellow color (like gold), its primary and technical definition in engineering and materials science is for a specific brass alloy. In most formal or industrial contexts, it refers to brass, not gold.
  • The pirate's treasure was gold, not yellow metal. (Here, the distinction is made clear.)

Noun

1. a brass that has more zinc and is stronger than alpha brass; used in making castings and hot-worked products