metallurgy

n. technique or science of separating metals from their ores; technique of creating combinations of metals; method of heating and working with metal

Metallurgy is a domain of materials science that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their intermetallic compounds, and their compounds, which are called alloys. It is also the technology of metals: the way in which science is applied to their practical use. The term is nowadays distinguished from the craft of metalworking.
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Metallurgy /met·al·lur·gy/ the science and art of using metals. metallurgy, n the study of metals and their properties, including separating metals [more]Metallurgy - Community and Resources

Noun
1. the science and technology of metals
(hypernym) science, scientific discipline
(hyponym) powder metallurgy
(class) fine, f.

(n.)
The art of working metals, comprehending the whole process of separating them from other matters in the ore, smelting, refining, and parting them; sometimes, in a narrower sense, only the process of extracting metals from their ores.