nickel

nick-el · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A silvery-white metallic element used in alloys and plating (symbol: Ni).

  2. 2.

    (US, Canada) A five-cent coin.

Forms

plural: nickels

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    nickel and dime — To spend or charge small amounts; to be cheap.
  • •
    not worth a plugged nickel — Worthless.

Related words

See also: coin, dime, metal
Synonyms: five cents

Etymology

From German Kupfernickel ("copper-colored ore"), from Kupfer ("copper") + Nickel ("goblin, demon"), because the ore resembled copper but yielded none. The name reflects miners' frustration with the deceptive mineral.