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metalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˈmɛtəlaɪz/US/ˈmɛtəlaɪz/

Technical/Formal

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Quick answer

What does “metalize” mean?

To coat or cover with a thin layer of metal.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To coat or cover with a thin layer of metal.

To make something metallic in character, appearance, or properties; to convert into a metallic form.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The spelling 'metalize' is standard in American English. British English typically prefers the spelling 'metallise' (double 'l').

Connotations

No significant difference in connotation beyond spelling preference.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to technical domains.

Grammar

How to Use “metalize” in a Sentence

[Subject] metalizes [Object] (with [Material])[Object] is metalized (by [Subject])

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
to metalize a surfacemetalize plasticmetalize glass
medium
process to metalizeused to metalizeability to metalize
weak
metalize partsmetalize componentsmetalize film

Examples

Examples of “metalize” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The factory will metallise the plastic components for conductivity.
  • This technique is used to metallise telescope mirrors.

American English

  • The company will metalize the polymer film for the packaging.
  • We need to metalize this substrate to create the circuit.

adverb

British English

  • [No standard adverb form]

American English

  • [No standard adverb form]

adjective

British English

  • [Not standard; 'metallised' is the participle adjective] The metallised film reflected the light brilliantly.

American English

  • [Not standard; 'metalized' is the participle adjective] The metalized coating prevented corrosion.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in specific manufacturing or materials science sectors.

Academic

Used in materials science, engineering, and chemistry papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used in casual conversation.

Technical

The primary domain of use; refers to specific industrial processes.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “metalize”

Neutral

coat with metalplate

Weak

cover with metalmake metallic

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “metalize”

demetalizestripremove coating

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “metalize”

  • Using 'metalize' to mean 'to make from metal' (instead, 'fabricate from metal').
  • Confusing it with 'metallurgy' (the science of metals).
  • Misspelling as 'metelize'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a low-frequency technical term used primarily in engineering, manufacturing, and materials science.

'Metalize' is a broader term for applying a metallic coating by any method (e.g., spraying, vacuum deposition). 'Plate' often implies a specific electrochemical process (electroplating).

The standard British English spelling is 'metallise' (with a double 'l').

Typically no. The term implies applying a metal coating to a non-metallic substrate. Coating a metal with another metal is usually called 'plating' or 'coating'.

To coat or cover with a thin layer of metal.

Metalize is usually technical/formal in register.

Metalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “[No common idioms for this technical term]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'metal' + 'ize' (to make into) = to make something have metal.

Conceptual Metaphor

GIVING A NON-METAL A METALLIC SKIN OR SHELL.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
To make the plastic conductive, they had to it with a thin layer of aluminium.
Multiple Choice

In which context is the verb 'to metalize' most appropriately used?