Metal
(1) An opaque, shiny elementary substance that is a good heat and electrical conductor and, when polished, exhibits good light reflection. Most metals are malleable and ductile and have a higher density than other elementary substances.
(2) Structurally, metals differ from nonmetals in their interatomic bonds and electron potential. Metal atoms tend to lose electrons from their orbits. Positively charged ions formed this way are hold together by electron gas. The main differences of metallic solids defined by the ability of these “free electrons” to carry over electrical charge, and the fact that such an ability decreases with temperature increase.
(3) From a chemical standpoint, an elementary substance whose hydroxide is alkaline.