nonferrous

adjective

non·​fer·​rous ˌnän-ˈfer-əs How to pronounce nonferrous (audio)
1
: not containing, including, or relating to iron
2
: of or relating to metals other than iron

Examples of nonferrous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Crafted out of iron and nonferrous metal, the prosthetic was relatively simple, not featuring any mechanical components. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023 Induction Heaters The industrial processes that heat aluminum ingots, forge nonferrous metals, and smelt high-end alloys are extremely energy intensive. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Sep. 2023 Indeed, 82% of all state nonferrous leases — those that are not for iron ore — between 1966 and 2018 were terminated within five years, according to the DNR, and nearly 98% of those involved no exploration drilling. Mike Hughlett, Star Tribune, 22 Oct. 2020 The company does have one steel mill, in Oregon, but most of the revenue comes from the recycling and processing of ferrous and nonferrous metals. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Aug. 2023 Ferrous metals can be magnetically separated from other materials; magnetism can also be induced in nonferrous items, like aluminum, using a large eddy current. IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2022 The raw materials segment produces DRI; brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, hot briquetted iron and DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal. Charles Rotblut, Forbes, 4 May 2023 In addition to the rules for oil refineries and chemical plants, the lawsuit also targets EPA rules for industrial plants that make plastics, fertilizers, pesticides and nonferrous metals. Dennis Pillion | Dpillion@al.com, al, 13 Apr. 2023 The rest of the stream then passes under overhead magnets, which collect items made of ferrous metals, and an eddy-current-inducing machine, which jolts nonferrous metals to another collection area. IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonferrous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonferrous was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near nonferrous

Cite this Entry

“Nonferrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonferrous. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nonferrous

adjective
non·​fer·​rous -ˈfer-əs How to pronounce nonferrous (audio)
1
: not containing, including, or relating to iron
2
: of or relating to metals other than iron
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