1.
metallurgy; metalworking; the science and technology of metals
The broad field encompassing the extraction of metals from ores, refining, alloying, shaping, and studying the properties of metals and alloys. An academic and industrial term.
冶金学を学ぶ。
To study metallurgy.
冶金技術の発展が文明を変えた。
Advances in metallurgy changed civilization.
日本の冶金は刀剣作りの伝統に根ざしている。
Japanese metallurgy is rooted in the tradition of swordmaking.
粉末冶金は自動車部品の製造に使われている。
Powder metallurgy is used in the manufacture of automotive parts.
Composed of 冶 (smelt, cast) and 金 (metal). The character 冶 specifically refers to the heating and working of metals, giving the compound its specialized meaning.
Metallurgy has deep historical roots in Japan, particularly through 刀鍛冶 (swordsmithing) and 鋳物 (casting) traditions. The academic discipline is studied in university engineering departments, often under names like 冶金工学 (metallurgical engineering) or the more modern 材料工学 (materials engineering).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 冶金学: metallurgy (as an academic discipline)
- 冶金工学: metallurgical engineering
- 粉末冶金: powder metallurgy
- 冶金技術: metallurgical technology
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 製錬: smelting — the specific process of extracting metal from ore, a subset of metallurgy
- 鍛冶: blacksmithing, forging — the traditional craft of shaping heated metal, a more hands-on term
- 合金: alloy — a product of metallurgy, not the field itself