First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
brass
noun \ˈbras\
: a yellow metal that is made by combining copper and zinc
: musical instruments (such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas) that are made of brass
: bright metal objects made of brass
Full Definition of BRASS
1
: an alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions
2
a : the brass instruments of an orchestra or band —often used in plural b : a usually brass memorial tablet c : bright metal fittings, utensils, or ornaments d : empty cartridge shells
3
: brazen self-assurance : gall
4
singular or plural in construction a : high-ranking members of the military b : persons in high positions (as in a business or the government)
— brass adjective
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Origin of BRASS
Middle English bras, from Old English bræs; akin to Middle Low German bras metal
Related to BRASS
- Synonyms
- audaciousness, audacity, brashness, effrontery, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), crust, face, gall, nerve, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, temerity
Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms
BRASS Defined for Kids
brass
noun \ˈbras\
Definition of BRASS for Kids
1
: an alloy made by combining copper and zinc
2
: the musical instruments of an orchestra or band that are usually made of brass and include the cornets, trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas
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