noun / adjective
metal
MET-uhl/ˈmetl/
A usually hard, shiny element or alloy that conducts heat and electricity.
Copper wire, an iron bar, and a shiny sheet illustrate different forms of metal.
Etymology
Greek metallon originally meant a mine or quarry, then came to mean ore or metal through the idea of “what is got by mining.” The place’s name thus became the material’s name.
In context
This inertness is a huge advantage for applications where we need a material that won't degrade or react. Tantalum is a metal, so yes, it conducts electricity and heat well