Amalgam
Noun
- A mixture or blend.
- An alloy of mercury with another metal, especially one used for dental fillings.
Example Sentences
“The menu at her party was an amalgam of snack foods and fancy baked goods.”
“In dental school, I learned how to replace old-fashioned filings made with a silver amalgam.”
“My wardrobe is an amalgam of classic and artistic fashions.”
Word Origin
Greek, late 15th century
Why this word?
“Amalgam” can be used for a mixture or blend of any materials, but the technical medical and dental usage strictly concerns mercury blended with another metal. The origin of “amalgam” goes back to the Greek word “malagma,” which means “emollient.” An emollient today is a skin softener, so the definitions have changed over the years. Your emollient may be an amalgam (mixture) of ingredients, but not every amalgam is an emollient.
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