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me·tal·lic (mĭ-tălĭk)
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adj.
1. Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a metal.
2. Containing a metal: a metallic compound.
3. Having a quality suggesting or associated with metal, especially:
a. Lustrous; sparkling: metallic colors.
b. Sharp-tasting: an unpleasant, metallic flavor.
4. Harshly resonant: "the strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades" (Ambrose Bierce).
n.
1. A yarn or fiber made of, containing, or resembling metal.
2. A fabric, typically shiny or iridescent, made of such yarn or fiber.
me·talli·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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