The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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amalgam

noun

/əˈmælɡəm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of amalgam

A combination of two or more different things, often used to describe a mixture of metals.
"The band's music was an amalgam of different genres."

Detailed meaning of amalgam

In dentistry, an amalgam is a filling material made up of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgams can also refer to a mixture of ideas, cultures, or concepts, such as an amalgam of Eastern and Western philosophies. The term can also be used more generally to refer to any mixture or blend of disparate elements, whether physical or abstract. Amalgams are often valued for their unique properties and the synergies that arise from the combination of multiple components.

Example sentences containing amalgam

1. The alloy is an amalgam of copper and zinc.
2. Their friendship was an amalgam of trust and loyalty.
3. The painting was an artistic amalgam of styles.
4. The cuisine featured an amalgam of flavors and spices.
5. The committee's decision was an amalgam of opinions.
6. The music was an amalgam of different genres.

History and etymology of amalgam

The noun 'amalgam' has an intriguing etymological journey. It originates from the Arabic term 'al-malgama,' which means 'the mixture.' This Arabic word was later adopted into Medieval Latin as 'amalgama,' retaining its fundamental meaning of a mixture or blend. When we delve into the etymology of 'amalgam,' we discover its historical ties to alchemy, where it was often used to describe the process of combining and blending different substances, especially metals. Today, 'amalgam' is commonly associated with the amalgamation of two or more different things, particularly metals, to create a new alloy, and its etymology harkens back to the ancient practices of mixing and melding various elements.

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Further usage examples of amalgam

1. His personality was an amalgam of confidence and humility.
2. The hybrid car used an amalgam of electric and gas power.
3. The book was an amalgam of history and fiction.
4. The design was an amalgam of modern and vintage elements.
5. Her outfit was an amalgam of colors and patterns.
6. The building's architecture was an amalgam of styles.
7. The experiment combined an amalgam of chemicals.
8. Their relationship was an amalgam of passion and companionship.
9. The museum's exhibit showcased an amalgam of art forms.
10. The software was an amalgam of different coding languages.
11. The speech was an amalgam of humor and sincerity.
12. The project was an amalgam of creativity and innovation.
13. His speech was an amalgam of wisdom and wit.
14. The dish was an amalgam of cultural culinary influences.
15. The dental amalgam was used to fill the cavity in my tooth.
16. The cake was an amalgam of different flavors, all combined perfectly.
17. The new art piece was an interesting amalgam of different styles and techniques.
18. His personality was an amalgam of his parents' traits.
19. The alloy was made up of an amalgam of different metals.
20. The project was an amalgam of different ideas from the team members.
21. The book was an amalgam of fact and fiction.
22. The city was an amalgam of different cultures and traditions.
23. The painting was an amalgam of bright and bold colors.
24. The dress was an amalgam of different fabrics and textures.
25. The dish was an amalgam of different ingredients and spices.