What does metalline mean?
Metalline is a rare adjective describing something that is made of metal, contains metal, or has a quality resembling metal. Depending on context, it may refer to physical properties such as hardness, sheen, weight, or texture, or to a sound imagined as hard, clear, or hollow like metal. The word can therefore be more evocative than the ordinary adjective metallic: “a metalline hum” suggests both the sound of metal and its resonant physical character. Metalline is attested in British and American English but is much less frequent than metallic, which remains the usual choice in neutral writing. It is especially useful in literary description, artistic commentary, or precise characterization when the aim is to emphasize a conspicuous metal-like quality rather than simply identify an object as metallic.
adjectiveMade of, containing, or resembling metal, especially in appearance, texture, or sound.
- Made of, containing, or resembling metal, especially in appearance, texture, or sound.
"The statue's metalline surface gleamed in the afternoon sunlight."
"A metalline hum filled the empty workshop."
"The architect chose tiles with a cool, metalline sheen."
Metalline traces its family to the same ancient root behind metal, metallurgy, and metallic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metalline come from?
Metalline ultimately derives from Latin metallum, meaning “metal,” a word borrowed from Greek metallon. Its formation follows the common English use of the suffix -ine in words such as crystalline and asinine, with the meaning “resembling” or “having the nature of.” The word developed in English as a descriptive adjective for something metallic or metal-like.
How metalline is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and somewhat literary adjective. In modern usage, metallic is generally more natural, while metalline can give a description a more emphatic, distinctive, or figurative quality.
Easily confused with metalline
Metallic is the common standard adjective for something made of or resembling metal, whereas metalline is a rarer synonym with a more emphatic or descriptive effect.