Smelt
A process of applying heat to ore in order to extract a base metal
Real World Example
During the Industrial Revolution, smelting was crucial because it allowed for the mass production of metals like iron and steel, which were essential for building machinery, railways, and factories. This process responded to the need for stronger and more durable materials to support rapid industrial growth and urbanization. Smelting made it possible to create tools and infrastructure that transformed societies and economies. Today, smelting remains important as it is used to produce metals for cars, electronics, and buildings. For example, the aluminum in soda cans is extracted through smelting, showing how this ancient process still influences daily life by providing materials for everyday products.
