Metal vs. Medal — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Metal is a hard, typically shiny substance used in materials and construction, while a medal is a small decorative disc awarded as a prize or honor.
Difference Between Metal and Medal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Metal refers to elements or alloys known for their durability and conductivity, used in a multitude of industrial applications. Whereas, medal describes an award given to signify achievement or honor, typically in sports, military, or academic fields.
Metals are naturally occurring elements like iron, gold, and aluminum, and are fundamental in manufacturing and construction due to their structural properties. On the other hand, medals are typically made from metals but are valued for their symbolic significance rather than their physical properties.
In terms of usage, metals are crucial for making tools, vehicles, buildings, and electronic devices. Whereas, medals are used primarily as tokens of recognition and have no practical function beyond this symbolic use.
Metals can be magnetic, conduct electricity, and are characterized by their malleability and ductility. Meanwhile, the value of a medal often comes from its design, the prestige of the awarding institution, and its historical context.
The study of metals is a branch of materials science that focuses on their properties and applications. On the other hand, medals are often studied by historians and collectors, particularly those interested in their role in culture and ceremonies.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A substance with high electrical conductivity, malleability, and typically a shiny appearance
A commemorative piece of metal given as an award for an achievement
Primary Use
Construction, manufacturing, electronics
Awards, decorations
Properties
Conductive, durable, malleable
Symbolic, collectible
Examples
Iron, gold, copper
Olympic medals, military decorations
Area of Interest
Materials science, engineering
History, sports, military
Compare with Definitions
Metal
Elemental substance.
Copper is a metal used extensively in electrical wiring.
Medal
Collectible item.
Collectors often seek rare medals from historical events.
Metal
Structural material.
Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, is a metal crucial for building construction.
Medal
Award for achievement.
She received a medal for her first-place finish in the marathon.
Metal
Heat and electricity conductor.
Metals like aluminum are preferred in industries for their excellent conductivity.
Medal
Symbol of honor.
The soldier was awarded a medal for bravery.
Metal
Malleable and ductile.
Metals can be hammered or stretched into sheets and wires without breaking.
Medal
Made of metal, often gold or silver-plated.
The championship medals are gold-plated and highly coveted.
Metal
Found in the Earth's crust.
Precious metals such as gold and silver are mined from beneath the Earth’s surface.
Medal
Inscribed or decorated.
Each medal bears the inscription of the event and the year it was awarded.
Metal
A metal (from Greek μέταλλον métallon, "mine, quarry, metal") is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typically malleable (they can be hammered into thin sheets) or ductile (can be drawn into wires).
Medal
A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are given as awards.
Metal
A solid material which is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity (e.g. iron, gold, silver, and aluminium, and alloys such as steel)
Being a metal, aluminium readily conducts heat
An adjustable pole made of metal
Medal
A metal disc typically of the size of a large coin and bearing an inscription or design, made to commemorate an event or awarded as a distinction to someone such as a soldier or athlete.
Metal
Broken stone for use in making roads
The work also involves dealing with rock aggregates for potential use as suitable road metal
Medal
Win a medal in a sporting event
They medalled in all the relay events
Metal
Molten glass before it is blown or cast.
Medal
A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or an inscription commemorating an event or a person, often given as an award.
Metal
Heavy metal or similar rock music
Crunching power-trio metal
Industrial music is also a blend of metal and techno
Medal
A piece of metal stamped with a religious device, used as an object of veneration or commemoration.
Metal
Made from or coated with metal
A range of metalled key rings
Medal
To win a medal, as in a sports contest
"We were the first Americans to medal" (Jill Watson).
Metal
Make or mend (a road) with road metal
The road was metalled and tolls charged for the upkeep
Follow the metalled road for about 200 yards
Medal
To award a medal to.
Metal
Any of a category of electropositive elements that usually have a shiny surface, are generally good conductors of heat and electricity, and can be melted or fused, hammered into thin sheets, or drawn into wires. Typical metals form salts with nonmetals, basic oxides with oxygen, and alloys with one another.
Medal
A stamped metal disc used as a personal ornament, a charm, or a religious object.
Metal
An alloy of two or more metallic elements.
Medal
A stamped or cast metal object (usually a disc), particularly one awarded as a prize or reward.
Metal
An object made of metal.
Medal
To win a medal.
He medalled twice at the Olympics.
Metal
Basic character; mettle.
Medal
(transitive) To award a medal to.
Metal
Broken stones used for road surfaces or railroad beds.
Medal
A piece of metal in the form of a coin, struck with a device, and intended to preserve the remembrance of a notable event or an illustrious person, or to serve as a reward.
Metal
Molten glass, especially when used in glassmaking.
Medal
To honor or reward with a medal.
Metal
Molten cast iron.
Medal
An award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
Metal
(Printing) Type made of metal.
Metal
(Music) Heavy metal.
Metal
To cover or surface (a roadbed, for example) with broken stones.
Metal
(heading) Chemical elements or alloys, and the mines where their ores come from.
Metal
Any of a number of chemical elements in the periodic table that form a metallic bond with other metal atoms; generally shiny, somewhat malleable and hard, often a conductor of heat and electricity.
Metal
Any material with similar physical properties, such as an alloy.
Metal
(astronomy) An element which was not directly created after the Big Bang but instead formed through nuclear reactions; any element other than hydrogen and helium.
Metal
Crushed rock, stones etc. used to make a road.
Metal
(mining) The ore from which a metal is derived.
Metal
(obsolete) A mine from which ores are taken.
Metal
(tincture) A light tincture used in a coat of arms, specifically argent (white or silver) and or (gold).
Metal
Molten glass that is to be blown or moulded to form objects.
Metal
(music) A category of rock music encompassing a number of genres (including thrash metal, death metal, heavy metal, etc.) characterized by strong drum-beats and distorted guitars.
Metal
The substance that constitutes something or someone; matter; hence, character or temper.
Metal
The effective power or calibre of guns carried by a vessel of war.
Metal
The rails of a railway.
Metal
The actual airline operating a flight, rather than any of the codeshare operators.
We have American Airlines tickets, but it's on British Airways metal.
Metal
(music) Characterized by strong drum-beats and distorted guitars.
Metal
Having the emotional or social characteristics associated with metal music; brash, bold, frank, unyielding, etc.
Metal
To make a road using crushed rock, stones etc.
Metal
An elementary substance, as sodium, calcium, or copper, whose oxide or hydroxide has basic rather than acid properties, as contrasted with the nonmetals, or metalloids. No sharp line can be drawn between the metals and nonmetals, and certain elements partake of both acid and basic qualities, as chromium, manganese, bismuth, etc.
Metal
Ore from which a metal is derived; - so called by miners.
Metal
A mine from which ores are taken.
Slaves . . . and persons condemned to metals.
Metal
The substance of which anything is made; material; hence, constitutional disposition; character; temper.
Not till God make men of some other metal than earth.
Metal
Courage; spirit; mettle. See Mettle.
Metal
The broken stone used in macadamizing roads and ballasting railroads.
Metal
The effective power or caliber of guns carried by a vessel of war.
Metal
Glass in a state of fusion.
Metal
The rails of a railroad.
Metal
To cover with metal; as, to metal a ship's bottom; to metal a road.
Metal
Any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
Metal
A mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten;
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper
Metal
Cover with metal
Metal
Containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal;
A metallic compound
Metallic luster
The strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades
Common Curiosities
Can metals be liquid?
Yes, metals like mercury are liquid at room temperature, and others like gallium melt just above room temperature.
What are the most common types of metals used in industry?
Common industrial metals include steel, aluminum, copper, and iron.
What is the significance of a medal in sports?
In sports, a medal is a symbol of achievement and recognition of an athlete's excellence.
Are all metals magnetic?
Not all metals are magnetic; common magnetic metals include iron, nickel, and cobalt.
How are medals made?
Medals are typically cast or stamped from metal and then polished and sometimes engraved or embossed with designs.
Are medals considered valuable?
The value of medals can vary greatly, often depending on their historical significance, rarity, and the prestige of the awarding event.
What properties make metals good conductors of electricity?
Metals have free-moving electrons which make them excellent conductors of electricity.
How can the authenticity of a medal be verified?
Authenticity can often be verified through marks, inscriptions, and by verifying the history and origin through reputable sources.
What are some examples of non-metallic medals?
Some ceremonial or commemorative medals are made from non-metal materials like wood, plastic, or composites for specific purposes.
Who decides the design of a medal?
The design of a medal is usually decided by the awarding institution or a committee specially formed for the event.
What are the environmental impacts of mining metals?
Metal mining can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution.
What happens to medals after they are awarded?
Medals are usually kept by the recipients as symbols of honor and achievement; some may be displayed or kept in private collections.
What are alloys and how are they related to metals?
Alloys are combinations of metals with other metals or elements, created to enhance properties such as strength or corrosion resistance.
Can metals be recycled?
Yes, metals are highly recyclable, and recycling them is a key aspect of reducing environmental impact and resource wastage.
How is the value of a metal determined?
The value of a metal is determined by its rarity, demand in the market, and specific properties useful in various applications.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
