noun
- chemical elements that typically lack metallic properties such as luster, conductivity, and malleability
Usage: chemistry; plural form
Examples
- Carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen are common nonmetals.
- Nonmetals are found on the right side of the periodic table.
- Most nonmetals are gases at room temperature.
- Nonmetals tend to gain electrons when forming compounds.
- The properties of nonmetals differ greatly from those of metals.
- Sulfur and phosphorus are examples of solid nonmetals.