What does nonmetal mean?
A nonmetal is a chemical element that lacks the characteristic properties of metals. Metals are generally shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity, whereas nonmetals tend to be brittle when solid and poor conductors. Common nonmetals include oxygen, sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen, although some elements, such as carbon, have properties that do not fit simple textbook contrasts. In technical writing, the term may also function attributively, as in "nonmetal impurity" or "nonmetal compound." The word is especially useful in chemistry, geology, materials science, and environmental studies, where distinguishing elemental composition affects predictions about reactivity, conductivity, and physical behavior. It is related to "metallic," but the compound specifically denotes a category of element rather than merely the presence of metal-like characteristics.
A chemical element that is not a metal.
"Phosphorus is a nonmetal commonly found in phosphates and fertilizers."
Chiefly used in chemistry and materials science.
Not made of metal or belonging to a nonmetal.
"The coating contained a nonmetal additive that improved the polymer's resistance to heat."
Usually used attributively in scientific and technical contexts.
The plural is used when referring to several chemical elements that are not metals.
"Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur are among the most abundant nonmetals in the Earth's crust."
Your pencil graphite is carbon, a nonmetal that conducts electricity well enough to be used in some electrical components.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonmetal come from?
The compound combines the prefix non-, meaning "not," with metal. English metal developed through Old French metal from Latin metallum, which was borrowed from Greek metallon, originally associated with mining and metal ore. Related English forms include metallic and metallurgy, both of which continue the Greek-derived element meaning "metal."
Related word forms
How nonmetal is actually used
The term is chiefly used in chemistry and materials science. When used attributively, it normally appears directly before a noun, as in "nonmetal element."
Easily confused with nonmetal
A metalloid has metallic and nonmetallic properties, whereas a nonmetal is classified entirely as a nonmetallic element.