μετάλλων
Wordform Details
Translation: metal
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralgenitiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μέταλλο
Translation: metal (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μέταλλον (métallon), which originally meant 'mine, quarry' and later 'metal'. The English word 'metal' derives from the same Greek root, via Latin 'metallum'. The word may have Semitic origins, possibly related to Hebrew מטיל (matil) meaning 'bar, rod'. The semantic shift from 'mine' to 'metal' reflects how these materials were obtained through mining activities in ancient times.
Mnemonics
- Sounds like 'metal' with an 'o' at the end, which is exactly what it means.
- Think of a 'medal' (similar sound) which is typically made of metal.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Greece has a long history of metalworking dating back to ancient times. The country was known for its silver mines at Laurion, which helped fund the Athenian navy. Today, metals continue to play an important role in Greek industry and craftsmanship, from traditional metalwork to modern manufacturing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μέταλλο' means 'metal', 'μετάλλιο' means 'medal'. They are related words since medals are typically made of metal, but they refer to different concepts.
Confused word:
Κέρδισε χρυσό μετάλλιο στους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες.
He won a gold medal at the Olympic Games.
Notes: The words share the same etymology, with 'μετάλλιο' being derived from 'μέταλλο'.
Mnemonic: 'Μέταλλο' (metal) is the material, 'μετάλλιο' (medal) is the object made from it.