Definition of: alloy

(al′oi, ə·loi′) noun
Any of numerous substances having metallic properties and consisting of two or more elements of which at least one is a metal.
2. Anything that reduces purity.
—v.t. (ə·loi′)
1. To reduce the purity of, as a metal, by mixing with an alloy.
2. To combine (substances) to form an alloy.
3. To modify or debase, as by mixture with something inferior.
—v.i. To become a constituent of an alloy: Carbon alloys with iron to form steel. [<F aloi, OF alei <aleier combine <L alligare ad- to + ligare bind] Synonyms (noun): admixture, adulteration, debasement, deterioration. Adulteration, debasement, and deterioration are always used in the bad sense; admixture is neutral, and may be good or bad; alloy is commonly good in the literal sense, as for giving hardness to coin, etc. An excess of alloy virtually amounts to adulteration; but adulteration is commonly restricted to articles used for food, drink, medicine, and kindred uses.