metallurgy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the science and technology of extracting metals, refining and alloying them, and controlling their properties during processing

   Advances in metallurgy produced steel strong enough for the new bridge.

2. 2
   noun

   the industrial methods used to produce and work metals

   The region's metallurgy depended on local ore, charcoal, and skilled furnace workers.

From French metallurgie, based on Ancient Greek metallourgos, 'miner or worker in metal,' from metallon, 'mine, quarry, or metal,' + ergon, 'work.' The English term broadened from the extraction of metals to the science of their structure, treatment, and properties.

Topics