non-meˈtallic, a.
[non- 3.]
Not metallic, not consisting of metal; Chem., that is not a metallic element.
| 1815 Aikin Man. Min. (ed. 2) 55 Class I.—Non-Metallic Combustible Minerals. The substances of this class (with the exception of Diamond) are of low specific gravity. 1845 F. Lunn Chem. in Encycl. Metrop. IV. 646/2 Non-Metallic (Electronegative?) Elements. 1856 Orr's Circ. Sci., Mech. Philos. 3 Silicium is sometimes regarded as a non-metallic body. 1872 Schellen Spectrum Anal. §23 The spectrum of any non-metallic substance. |