metal: Any of a class of chemical elementsthat are typically lustroussolids that are good conductors ofheat and electricity. Not all metalshave all these properties (e.g. mercuryis a liquid). In chemistry, metalsfall into two distinct types. Those ofthe s- and p-blocks (e.g. sodium andaluminium) are generally soft silveryreactive elements. They tend to formpositive ions and so are described aselectropositive. This is contrasted with typical nonmetallic behaviourof forming negative ions. The transitionelements (e.g. iron and copper)are harder substances and generallyless reactive. They form coordinationcomplexes. All metals have oxidesthat are basic, although some, suchas aluminium, have amphotericproperties.
