An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A material composed of two or more → metals, or of a metal or metals with a non-metal, exhibiting characteristic metallic properties. Some examples: → bronze is an alloy of → copper and → tin, brass is an alloy of → zinc and copper, and → steel is an alloy of → iron and → carbon. Alloys have properties which differ from those of their components. Moreover, different component proportions yield alloys with different properties.

Etymology (EN): From M.F. aloi, from O.Fr. alei, from aleier “to mix, combine,” from L. alligare “to bind up,” from → ad- “to” + → ligare “to bind.”

Etymology (PE): Âlyâž, loanword from Fr.