noun
- a chemical element that lacks the properties of metals, such as the ability to conduct heat and electricity
Usage: chemistry
Examples
- Carbon is a nonmetal that forms the basis of organic compounds.
- Oxygen and nitrogen are nonmetals that make up most of our atmosphere.
- Unlike metals, nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity.
- Sulfur is a yellow nonmetal found in volcanic regions.
- The periodic table shows metals on the left and nonmetals on the right.
- Chlorine is a highly reactive nonmetal used in water treatment.