noble metal
English edit
Noun edit
noble metal (plural noble metals)
- (inorganic chemistry, alchemy) A metal resistant to corrosion, oxidizing and tarnishing, such as gold or platinum.
- Synonym: perfect metal
Usage notes edit
So termed because they resist being made base. Chemists generally recognize them as the platinum group of elements, plus gold. Opinions vary on whether some other unreactive metals, such as copper, silver, rhenium, or mercury, should be included.
Translations edit
metal resistant to corrosion
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