Alloy

Noun

Definition: A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.

Synonyms: Mixture, Blend, Composite

Antonyms: Pure metal

Examples:

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, nickel, and chromium.

Mnemonics:

Alloy = All + Loy (loyalty). A mixture of metals showing loyalty to each other.

Verb

Definition: To debase by mixing with something inferior.

Synonyms: Dilute, Adulterate, Contaminate

Antonyms: Purify, Refine

Examples:

The chef decided not to alloy the pure chocolate with any other ingredients.
The counterfeit coins were alloyed with cheaper metals.

Mnemonics:

Alloy = All + Lie. Mixing inferior elements with good ones is like telling a lie.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'alei', from Old French 'aleier', from Latin 'ad-‘ ('to') + 'laevare' ('lighten').

Historical Usage:

The word 'alloy' has been used since the 15th century to refer to a mixture of metals and also in the sense of 'to adulterate'.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"All that glitters is not gold."

Explanation:

This idiom means that not everything that looks valuable or attractive is actually valuable or genuine. It relates to alloy as alloys can sometimes resemble valuable metals but may contain inferior elements.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Considering alloy only as a noun related to metal mixtures.

Explanation:

Alloy can also be used as a verb meaning to dilute or debase by mixing with something inferior.