Nickel
'nɪkəl
Definitions
2 meaningsA United States coin worth five cents.
'nɪkəl
A United States coin.
I need to save up some nickels to buy a soda.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at the candy machine, and a nickel is the coin you need to buy a small treat. It's a small, round coin made of metal.
👶 For kids: A nickel is a coin worth five cents. It's a shiny, metal coin that you can use to buy things.
More Examples
The vending machine only accepts nickels and quarters.
Can you give me two nickels for a dime?
How It's Used
"He found a nickel on the sidewalk."
A hard, silvery-white metallic element, used especially to plate other metals and in alloys.
'nɪkəl
A metallic element.
Nickel is a key component in many batteries.
💡 Simply: Think of nickel as a super strong metal that is often added to other metals like steel. It makes things shiny and tough! It is also in coins.
👶 For kids: Nickel is a shiny, strong metal that can be used to make other things stronger. Like steel.
More Examples
Stainless steel contains nickel.
The necklace had a nickel clasp.
How It's Used
"Nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal."
"Nickel is used in the production of stainless steel."
From Middle High German *nickel* (a mischievous goblin or devil), later used to refer to the metal due to its deceptive appearance and difficulty in refining.
The term 'nickel' was used in mining and chemistry contexts from the 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of the 'n' for 'number 5', because a nickel is worth 5 cents.
Word Origin
"a mischievous goblin or devil"