smelt β to melt ore in order to extract metal from it
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to melt ore in order to extract metal from it
Pronunciation (IPA): /smelt/
Example Sentences
- The medieval blacksmith knew exactly how to smelt iron without modern equipment.
- My grandfather claims he can catch smelt with his bare hands, but I think he's just fishing for compliments.
- The chemistry student accidentally tried to smelt aluminum in a regular oven.
smelt
VERB[/smelt/]
to melt ore in order to extract metal from it
The blacksmith smelt iron ore in the roaring forge until liquid metal poured out.
Smelt the ore, but watch your belt melt!
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π€Pronunciation
π³Etymology
Origin
The verb 'smelt' (to extract metal from ore by heating) derives from Old English and Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'to melt' or 'to fuse'. The noun 'smelt' (a small fish) likely originates from the same Germanic base, named for its smooth, lustrous appearance.
Breakdown
From Proto-Germanic *smelt- (to melt, fuse) β Old English smeltan. The fish name shares the same root, referring to the creature's sleek, shiny surface.
π΅Rhyme
πCollocations
πExamples
βThe medieval blacksmith knew exactly how to smelt iron without modern equipment.β
βMy grandfather claims he can catch smelt with his bare hands, but I think he's just fishing for compliments.β
βThe chemistry student accidentally tried to smelt aluminum in a regular oven.β
βFresh smelt tastes delicious when grilled with just salt and pepper.β
πRelated Words
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