How Do You Spell SUBMETALLIC?

Pronunciation: [sˌʌbmɪtˈalɪk] (IPA)

Submetallic is an adjective that describes a mineral or rock that has a metallic appearance but lacks the luster of a true metal. The IPA phonetic transcription for submetallic is /sʌbməˈtælɪk/. This word starts with the prefix "sub-" which means "below" or "less than." The main root of the word is "metal," followed by the suffix "-lic "which indicates possession or having a certain quality. So, submetallic refers to a mineral that has lesser metallic qualities compared to true metals.

SUBMETALLIC Meaning and Definition

1. Submetallic is an adjective that refers to the physical appearance or properties of a material that resemble those of a metal but are not fully reflective or lustrous. It is used to describe substances or minerals that have a slight metallic sheen, but lack the distinct brightness and highly reflective quality typically associated with metals.

   In terms of color, submetallic materials often display shades of gray, dark gray, or even black. The term is commonly used in the field of geology and mineralogy to describe minerals that possess a partial metallic luster, as opposed to those with a completely non-metallic or metallic appearance.

   Submetallic minerals often contain certain metallic elements, such as iron, copper, or lead, which contribute to their metallic sheen. However, they may also possess non-metallic elements, impurities, or a particular crystal structure that reduces their reflectivity and causes them to appear less shiny compared to fully metallic minerals.

   Despite their somewhat subdued shininess, submetallic materials may still exhibit other characteristics associated with metals, such as good electrical conductivity or a metallic taste. These properties, combined with their visually distinctive appearance, make them an important classification for scientists and researchers studying the properties and composition of minerals and other materials.

2. Imperfectly metallic.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SUBMETALLIC

• aubmetallic
• zubmetallic
• xubmetallic
• dubmetallic
• eubmetallic
• wubmetallic
• sybmetallic
• shbmetallic
• sjbmetallic
• sibmetallic
• s8bmetallic
• s7bmetallic
• suvmetallic
• sunmetallic
• suhmetallic
• sugmetallic
• subnetallic
• subketallic
• subjetallic
• submwtallic

Etymology of SUBMETALLIC

The word "submetallic" is formed by combining two roots: "sub-" and "metallic".

The prefix "sub-" derives from the Latin word "sub", meaning "under" or "below". It is often used to indicate something that is lesser in degree or a lower form of something else.

The root "metallic" comes from the Latin word "metallum", which refers to a mineral or substance with metallic properties.

Therefore, the term "submetallic" can be understood as something that is slightly or partially metallic, or somewhat below the full characteristics or qualities typically associated with metals.