Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
smelter
noun
/ˈsmɛltər/

Definition
A facility where metal is extracted from its ore by heating and melting it.

Examples
- The smelter operated around the clock to meet the demand for copper.
- After mining, the ore was transported to the smelter for processing.
- The company’s new smelter will increase production capacity significantly.

Meaning
The term ‘smelter’ refers to a place, typically an industrial site, where metal is obtained from its raw materials, or ores, through the process of smelting. This involves heating the ore to a point where it liquefies, allowing for the separation of the metal from impurities.

Synonyms
- foundry
- refinery
- metallurgical plant