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n. 1. A metallic solid or liquid that is composed of a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or of metals and nonmetal or metalloid elements, usually for the purpose of imparting or increasing specific characteristics or properties: 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. tr.v. (ə-loi, ăloi′) al·loyed, al·loy·ing, al·loys 1. To combine (metals) to form an alloy. 2. To combine; mix: idealism that was alloyed with political skill. 3. To debase by the addition of an inferior element. [Alteration (influenced by French aloi) of obsolete allay, from Middle English alay, from Old North French allai, from allayer, to alloy, from Latin alligāre, to bind : ad-, ad- + ligāre, to bind; see leig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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