metallic

Metallic is an adjective relating to metals or to properties associated with metals. In everyday use it describes objects made of metal or surfaces that resemble metal in appearance, such as a metallic finish or metallic luster. In science, metallic describes phenomena tied to metallic bonding and the physical behavior of metal elements.

Metallic bonding occurs when electrons are delocalized over a lattice of positively charged ions. This electron sea enables electrical and thermal conductivity, along with malleability and ductility. Metals typically form crystalline solids with close-packed structures and reflect light, producing a characteristic sheen known as metallic luster. Alloys combine metals with other elements to tailor strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

In chemistry, metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form cations, increasing down a group and across the periodic table to the left. Elements with high metallic character include alkali and alkaline earth metals; nonmetals exhibit little metallic character. The concept helps explain reactivity trends and the behavior of elements in redox reactions.

Other uses include metallic pigments and finishes in art and design, sometimes describing color or effect that imitates metal. The term can also appear in geology or astrobiology in contexts like metallic minerals or metallic hydrogen, but such uses are specialized.