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metallic

1. Of or pertaining to a metal; of the nature of metal; resembling metal; as, a metallic appearance; a metallic alloy.

2. (Science: chemistry) Of, pertaining to, or characterised by, the essential and implied properties of a metal, as contrasted with a nonmetal or metalloid; basic; antacid; positive. Metallic iron, iron in the state of the metal, as distinquished from its ores, as magnetic iron. Metallic paper, paper covered with a thin solution of lime, whiting, and size. When written upon with a pewter or brass pencil, the lines can hardly be effaced.

(Science: medicine) Metallic tinking, a sound heard in the chest, when a cavity communicating with the air passages contains both air and liquid.

Origin: L. Metallicus, fr. Metallum: cf. F. Metallique. See Metal.