alloy

alliage

Matériau obtenu en mélangeant un métal avec un autre métal ou un autre élément.

En anglais simple : A material made by mixing a metal with another metal or another element.

• Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
• The frame is made from a light alloy.
• These alloys are stronger than pure copper.

Expressions courantes : metal alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, steel alloy

allier

Mélanger un métal à un autre matériau, généralement pour le rendre plus résistant ou plus utile.

En anglais simple : To mix a metal with another material, usually to make it stronger or more useful.

• They alloy these metals to improve their strength.
• The copper was alloyed with tin.
• Which elements can we alloy with iron?

Comment l'utiliser : alloy something with something (They alloy copper with zinc to make brass.)

Synonymes : mix, combine

Expressions courantes : alloy with something, alloy two metals

altérer, allier

Ajouter une matière moins précieuse à un métal précieux, ce qui réduit sa pureté.

En anglais simple : To mix a valuable metal with a less valuable material, making it less pure.

• They alloy gold to reduce its purity.
• The silver was alloyed with a cheaper metal.
• How much copper did they use to alloy the gold?

Comment l'utiliser : alloy something with something (The mint alloyed the silver with copper.)

Synonymes : debase, adulterate

Contraires : purify

Expressions courantes : alloy gold, alloy with copper

mêler, combiner

Réunir des idées ou des qualités différentes pour former un tout.

En anglais simple : To bring different ideas or qualities together into one whole.

• The book alloys several different ideas.
• He alloyed old traditions with modern thought.
• These poems alloy tenderness with sharp humor.

Comment l'utiliser : alloy something with something (Her writing alloys humor with serious reflection.)

Synonymes : combine, blend, mix

Contraires : separate

Expressions courantes : alloy different ideas, alloy something with

gâter, altérer

Rendre un sentiment ou une expérience moins agréable en y mêlant quelque chose de déplaisant.

En anglais simple : To make a feeling or experience less good by adding something unpleasant to it.

• Doubt alloyed her pleasure in the award.
• Their happiness was alloyed with fear.
• Regret can alloy even the sweetest memories.

Comment l'utiliser : alloy something with something (The news alloyed their joy with sadness.)

Synonymes : spoil, diminish, taint

Contraires : enhance

Expressions courantes : alloy someone’s pleasure, alloy joy