alloy

A material made by mixing a metal with another metal or another element.

• Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
• The frame is made from a light alloy.
• These alloys are stronger than pure copper.

Common phrases: metal alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, steel alloy

To mix a metal with another material, usually to make it stronger or more useful.

• They alloy these metals to improve their strength.
• The copper was alloyed with tin.
• Which elements can we alloy with iron?

How to use it: alloy something with something (They alloy copper with zinc to make brass.)

Similar words: mix, combine

Common phrases: alloy with something, alloy two metals

To mix a valuable metal with a less valuable material, making it less pure.

• They alloy gold to reduce its purity.
• The silver was alloyed with a cheaper metal.
• How much copper did they use to alloy the gold?

How to use it: alloy something with something (The mint alloyed the silver with copper.)

Similar words: debase, adulterate

Opposites: purify

Common phrases: alloy gold, alloy with copper

To bring different ideas or qualities together into one whole.

• The book alloys several different ideas.
• He alloyed old traditions with modern thought.
• These poems alloy tenderness with sharp humor.

How to use it: alloy something with something (Her writing alloys humor with serious reflection.)

Similar words: combine, blend, mix

Opposites: separate

Common phrases: alloy different ideas, alloy something with

To make a feeling or experience less good by adding something unpleasant to it.

• Doubt alloyed her pleasure in the award.
• Their happiness was alloyed with fear.
• Regret can alloy even the sweetest memories.

How to use it: alloy something with something (The news alloyed their joy with sadness.)

Similar words: spoil, diminish, taint

Opposites: enhance

Common phrases: alloy someone’s pleasure, alloy joy