An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Chemistry: An → element in which the highest occupied energy band (→ conduction band) is only partially filled with electrons.
   
2. Astrophysics: Conventionally, any element heavier than → helium. The term “metal,” as used for this concept, is in fact inappropriate. Same as → heavy element. See also → metallicity.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. metal, from L. metallum “metal, mine, quarry, what is got by mining,” from Gk. metallon “metal, ore,” originally “mine, quarry, pit,” probably from metalleuein “to mine, to quarry,” of unknown origin, but related somehow to metallan “to seek after.”

Etymology (PE): Felez “metal,” loanword from Ar. filizz.