Alloy

English Meaning

Any combination or compound of metals fused together; a mixture of metals; for example, brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. But when mercury is one of the metals, the compound is called an amalgam.

1. A homogeneous mixture or solid solution of two or more metals, the atoms of one replacing or occupying interstitial positions between the atoms of the other: Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper.
2. A mixture; an amalgam: "Television news has . . . always been an alloy of journalism and show business” ( Bill Moyers).
3. The relative degree of mixture with a base metal; fineness.
4. Something added that lowers value or purity.
5. To combine (metals) to form an alloy.
6. To combine; mix: idealism that was alloyed with political skill.
7. To debase by the addition of an inferior element.