Smelting - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Smelting is the process of extracting metal from its ore by heating and melting it, often with a reducing agent like coke. This separates the pure metal from impurities.
Definition:
The process of extracting metal from ore by heating and melting it.
Synonyms:
refining, melting, fusing, purifying
Part of Speech:
noun, gerund
Antonyms:
solidifying, freezing
Common Collocations:
smelting process, smelting furnace, smelting industry, smelting plant
Derivatives:
smelter, smelted
Usage Tips:
Use "smelting" to describe industrial metal extraction; avoid confusing it with general melting or casting processes.
Common Phrases:
smelting down, smelting works, in the smelting pot
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "smeltan," meaning to melt or fuse metals; related to Dutch "smelten" and German "schmelzen."
Examples:
- 1. The workers began smelting iron ore in the furnace.
- 2. Smelting requires high temperatures to separate metal from impurities.
- 3. Ancient civilizations mastered smelting copper thousands of years ago.
- 4. The factory specializes in smelting aluminum for construction materials.