1
: the degree of mixture with base metals : fineness
2
: a substance composed of two or more metals or of a metal and a nonmetal intimately united usually by being fused together and dissolving in each other when molten
also
: the state of union of the components
3
a
: an admixture that lessens value
b
: an impairing alien element
4
: a compound, mixture, or union of different things
an ethnic alloy of many peoples
5
archaic
: a metal mixed with a more valuable metal to give durability or some other desired quality
alloyed; alloying; alloys
2
: to reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable metal
3
: to mix so as to form an alloy
: to lend itself to being alloyed
iron alloys well
Cite this Entry
“Alloy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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