base metal
Chemistry term for a common, non-precious metal that oxidizes or corrodes easily, such as iron or lead. Contrasts with 貴金属 (precious metal).
Iron is a type of base metal.
Base metals oxidize more easily than precious metals.
貴金属 refers to rare, high-value metals like gold and platinum, while 卑金属 refers to common, easily oxidized metals like iron and copper.
Compound of 卑 (lowly, base) and 金属 (metal). The term is a direct translation of the English 'base metal' and is used primarily in chemistry.