What does ingot mean?
An ingot is a block of metal that has been cast into a standard shape and size, typically for ease of storage or transportation. Ingots are often produced through a process of melting and molding metal into a rectangular or square shape, and can be made from a variety of metals including steel, aluminum, gold, and silver. The use of ingots allows for efficient handling and processing of metals, and they are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and jewelry-making. The term ingot can also refer to a quantity of metal that has been cast into a shape suitable for storage or transportation.
nounA block of metal, typically of a standard shape and size, that has been cast in a mold and allowed to solidify, often used as a form in which to transport or store the metal.
- A block of metal.
- A quantity of metal, especially gold or silver, cast into a shape suitable for storage or transportation.
"The factory produced hundreds of ingots of steel every day."
"The ingot of gold was weighed and stored in a secure vault."
"The company specializes in producing high-quality ingots of aluminum for the aerospace industry."
The plural form ingots is used to refer to multiple blocks of metal.
"The warehouse stored dozens of ingots of aluminum for use in the manufacturing process."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ingot
The word ingot has its origins in the late 15th century, from the Old French word 'lingot', which referred to a block of metal. The term is likely derived from the Latin word 'lingula', meaning 'tongue' or 'small tongue', possibly in reference to the shape of the metal block.
How ingot is actually used
Often used in the context of metallurgy, manufacturing, and trade.