nickel
UK[ˈnɪk(ə)l]US[ˈnɪk(ə)l]
n
a chemical element (symbol Ni), a hard silver-white metal used in making alloys and for plating other metals.
n
a five-cent coin of the united states or canada, made of a copper-nickel alloy.
Etymology
the word 'nickel' entered english in the mid-18th century from the german 'kupfernickel', a term used by german miners. 'kupfernickel' literally meant 'copper demon' or 'false copper', from 'kupfer' (copper) and 'nickel' (a goblin or mischievous spirit). miners gave this name to a reddish-brown ore (niccolite) that resembled copper ore but yielded no copper, blaming a sprite for the deception. the element was later isolated from this ore, and its name was shortened to 'nickel', retaining the legacy of the mineralogical trickery but shedding the direct association with the demon.
Analysis
the word 'nickel' is a simplex loanword from german. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english spelling.
Examples
the frame is plated with nickel to prevent rust.
can you spare a nickel for the parking meter?
this alloy contains a high percentage of nickel.