a chemical element lacking typical metallic properties
<noun.substance> [ adj ]
not containing or resembling or characteristic of a metal
<adj.all> nonmetallic elements
Nonmetal \Non"met`al\, n. (Chem.) Any one of the set of elements which, as contrasted with the metals, possess, produce, or receive, acid rather than basic properties; a metalloid; as, oxygen, sulphur, and chlorine are nonmetals.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration will hold a national metal and nonmetal mine rescue contest in Las Vegas next week.