adjective / noun

metallic

muh-TAL-ik/məˈtælɪk/

Having the characteristic properties of metal.

The folded fabric has a metallic sheen across its bright ripples.

A close-up of silver metallic fabric folded into broad ripples, its bright reflected bands and dark steel-gray troughs making the metal-like appearance immediately visible.

Etymology

The metal root and adjective ending express “of or belonging to metal.” That relationship also covers resemblance: a sound or appearance can be metallic without the thing itself being made of metal.

In context

TMartScience0:32

this has what we describe as a very metallic luster it looks like a piece of metal that's why we call it metallic it's very reflective almost like a piece of silver

Mineral Luster

More examples

The sample contains metallic copper rather than copper compounds.
A metallic clang echoes through the empty stairwell.
She chooses bronze from the paint store's selection of metallics.

Forms

metallic · metallics

Similar words

metal: Specifies actual metal rather than merely a metal-like quality.
tinny: Describes a thin, unpleasant ringing sound, not metal generally.
shiny: Describes reflected light without implying any resemblance to metal.