Definition of metal

The word "metal" has its roots in ancient Greece. The Greek word "metallon" (μετάλλον) means "quarry" or "mine", and refers to the extraction of ore from the earth. This term was later adopted into Latin as "metallum", which retained the same meaning. In the 14th century, the word "metal" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French, where it had already developed the sense of "a solid substance resembling stone, esp. one that is hard and shiny". Over time, the scientific understanding of metals as elements with specific properties led to the modern usage of the term, referring to a wide range of elements such as copper, iron, and gold. Throughout its history, the word "metal" has retained its connection to the idea of extraction and processing from the earth, reflecting humanity's long history of working with and exploiting natural resources.