alloy

noun

  1. A metal that is a combination of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal.

  2. A metal of lesser value, mixed with a metal of greater value.

    "gold without alloy"

  3. An admixture; something added which stains, taints etc.

  4. Fusion, marriage, combination.

verb

  1. To mix or combine; often used of metals.

  2. To reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable substance.

    "to alloy gold with silver or copper, or silver with copper"

  3. To impair or debase by mixture.

    "to alloy pleasure with misfortunes"