solder

1 of 2

noun

sol·​der ˈsä-dər 

ˈsȯ-,

 British also  ˈsäl-də,

ˈsōl-

1

: a metal or metallic alloy used when melted to join metallic surfaces

especially : an alloy of lead and tin so used

2

: something that unites

solder

2 of 2

verb

soldered; soldering ˈsä-d(ə-)riŋ 

ˈsȯ-,

 British also  ˈsäl-,

ˈsōl-

transitive verb

1

: to unite or make whole by solder

2

: to bring into or restore to firm union

a friendship soldered by common interests

intransitive verb

1

: to use solder

2

: to become united or repaired by or as if by solder

solderability

ˌsä-də-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌsȯ-

noun

solderer

ˈsä-dər-ər 

ˈsȯ-

noun

Examples of solder in a Sentence

Verb

Wires are soldered onto the circuit board.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Smoke drifts up as a lighting technician solders equipment. —Christine Tannous, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Aug. 2024

For common eutectic solder that contains lead, that's 360 °F (182 °C). —New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024

Verb

But the pain has to do with coming to consciousness, that huge first heave a young poet must make from sensation to representation, and the further and even harder heave to solder a seam between them with a singular sound. —Christian Wiman, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024

Plus: Those with copper lines installed before 1985 may have soldering that contains lead. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English soudure, from Anglo-French, from souder to solder, from Latin solidare to make solid, from solidus solid

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

solder

1 of 2 noun

sol·​der ˈsäd-ər 

ˈsȯd-

: a metal or a mixture of metals (as of lead and tin) used when melted to join metallic surfaces

solder

2 of 2 verb

soldered; soldering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to unite or repair with solder

2

: to become joined or renewed by or as if by the use of solder

solderer

-ər-ər 

noun