silver

silver [sil′vər]

n.

[ME selver < OE seolfer, akin to Ger silber, Goth silubr, prob. a loanword < a non-IE source]

1. a soft, white, metallic chemical element that is extremely ductile and malleable, an excellent reflector of light, and the best metallic conductor of heat and electricity: it is a precious metal and is used in the manufacture of coins, jewelry, alloys, etc.: symbol, Ag; at. no., 47: see the periodic table of elements in the Reference Supplement

2.

a) silver coin

b) money; riches; wealth

3. something, esp. tableware, made of or plated with silver; silverware

4. the lustrous, grayish-white color of silver

5. something having this color, as the material used in coating the back of a mirror

6. a salt of silver as used in photography, etc.

7. short for SILVER MEDAL

adj.

1. made of, containing, or plated with silver [silver thread]

2. of, based on, or having to do with silver [the silver standard ]

☆ 3. of or advocating the adoption of silver as a standard of currency

4. having the color or luster of silver; silvery

5. having a silvery tone or sound

6. eloquent [a silver tongue]

7. marking or celebrating the 25th anniversary

vt.

1. to cover or coat with silver or something like silver

2. to make silvery in color [hair silvered with age]

vi.

to become silvery in color