What Is a Metal in Chemistry?

The Scientific Definition of Metal

Copper is one of relatively few elements found in native state. You can see the copper metal in this specimen from a Minnesota mine.

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on September 22, 2019

The definition of metal: A substance with high electrical conductivity, luster, and malleability, which readily loses electrons to form positive ions (cations). Metals are otherwise defined according to their position on the Periodic Table.

Copper in a scrap metal recycling plant
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Metal Groupings on the Periodic Table

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "What Is a Metal in Chemistry?" ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-metal-604570. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). What Is a Metal in Chemistry? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-metal-604570 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "What Is a Metal in Chemistry?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-metal-604570 (accessed April 25, 2024).