How to Say "Metal" in Latin - How To Say Guide

metallum

[mɛˈtal.lũː]neuter

The Latin word for "metal" is metallum.

metallum is used to refer to an atomic element or a material composed of such atoms.

Meaning: atomic element or material made of such atoms (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

metallum is a neuter noun. To say "metals" in the plural, use metalla. If you need to say "of the metals", use the genitive plural form metallorum.

In many classical contexts, the word metallum could refer to an entire 'mine' or the 'excavation site' rather than just the substance found there.
In certain medieval Latin texts, metallum was used to describe 'money' or 'coinage' because of the precious metals used to make them.
In Roman legal terminology, the plural form metalla often referred specifically to state-owned 'mines' or 'quarries' rather than the substances extracted from them.

Æs cȳprium metallum est.
Copper is a metal.
This sentence illustrates how to state that copper is a metal using metallum.
Tatoeba #13424993 by Vortarulo, translation #13102713 by CK
Hoc metallum zincum appellatur.
This metal is called zinc.
This sentence shows how to name a specific metal, such as zinc, using metallum.
Tatoeba #1444630 by alexmarcelo, translation #59613 by CK
Lithium metallum alcalicum est.
Lithium is an alkali metal.
This sentence provides an example of describing lithium as an alkali metal using metallum.
Tatoeba #8946379 by shekitten, translation #8944168 by shekitten
Metallum est basis multarum artium
Metal is the foundation of many arts.
6 more sentences on Tatoeba

Marcus and Aurelia are inspecting a new sword in a workshop.

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