French word

métal

Pronunciation

IPA/metal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmetal

Example

Ce couteau est en métal.

This knife is made of metal.

Illustration for métal (metal)

More examples

La sculpture est faite de métal rouillé.

The sculpture is made of rusted metal.

Core concept

A hard, workable substance that can be shaped into tools and parts and often carries heat or electricity.

Common phrases

  • en métal

    made of metal

  • métal rouillé

    rusted metal

  • un objet en métal

    a metal object

Similar words

acier: A strong alloy made mainly from iron, used in tools, buildings, and machinery.
fer: A heavy, strong chemical element used in tools, buildings, and other metal products.
aluminium: A lightweight metal that resists corrosion, used in cans and car parts.
cuivre: A reddish metal that conducts electricity well, used in wiring and decorative items.

Definition in French

Terme générique pour les matériaux métalliques solides, souvent conducteurs, employés seuls ou en alliage pour fabriquer des pièces et des objets.

Word origin

French métal comes through Latin metallum from Greek metallon, a word for a mine or mineral deposit that came to denote the material obtained from it.

Usage tips

  • For a material expression, French uses en métal: un couteau en métal; métal is masculine, so le métal.

Related words

Word lists with this word