base metal
noun1
Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Any metal at the lower end of the electrochemical series that oxidizes readily.
2
Engineering, Metallurgy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences The metal to be welded (rather than that used to weld).
3
A common or inexpensive metal.
4
Alchemy, Pseudoscience one that was hoped to be transmuted into a precious metal.
- Related terms
- noble metal