brass
brass Lexical Profile
brass Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A yellow alloy of copper and zinc, widely used for decorative hardware, musical instruments, and mechanical fittings.
"Because brass resists corrosion so effectively, it is frequently used for marine hardware and plumbing fixtures."
Wind musical instruments made of metal and played by vibration of the lips against a cup-shaped mouthpiece, such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas, or the section of an orchestra or band comprising them.
"The conductor asked the brass to play more softly during the delicate woodwind solo."
People in positions of high authority or senior management, especially high-ranking military officers or corporate executives.
"The new budget proposal still needs to be approved by the top brass at headquarters."
Bold, shameless self-confidence or impudent nerve.
"He had the brass to ask for a promotion just days after missing a major project deadline."
British Money or cash, especially in northern English dialect.
"As the old Yorkshire saying goes, where there is muck, there is brass."
• adjective
Made of or consisting of the yellow metallic alloy of copper and zinc.
"The antique desk featured ornate brass handles that had been polished to a bright shine."
• verb
To coat, plate, or overlay a surface or object with brass.
"The artisan carefully brassed the iron fittings to give them a warm, golden finish."
• Rhymes for brass
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English bræs ('brass' or 'bronze'), a word of uncertain origin with no clear cognates outside Germanic languages. Historically, the term was used interchangeably for various copper alloys, particularly bronze, before modern metallurgy distinguished copper-zinc alloys from copper-tin alloys.