metalloid
adjective
1. of or being a nonmetallic element that has some of the properties of metal
- arsenic is a metalloid element
Similar word(s): nonmetal, nonmetallic
noun
1. (chemistry) An element, such as silicon or germanium, intermediate in properties between that of a metal and a nonmetal; especially one that exhibits the external characteristics of a metal, but behaves chemically more as a nonmetal.
2. (chemistry, obsolete) The metallic base of a fixed alkali, or alkaline earth; applied to sodium, potassium, and some other metallic substances whose metallic character was supposed to be not well defined.