Pronunciation: [smˈɛlts] (IPA) 
The word "smelts" is spelled with a combination of the consonants "s," "m," "l," "t," and "s." The first "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced "s" sound, while the second "s" is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound. The "m" is pronounced as a voiced "m" sound, and the "l" is pronounced as a voiced "l" sound. The final "t" is pronounced as an unvoiced "t" sound. The IPA transcription for "smelts" is /smɛlts/.
Smelts, as a noun, refer to small, silvery, marine or freshwater fishes that belong to the family Osmeridae. These fishes are characterized by their slender bodies, large eyes, and pronounced, sharp teeth. They are commonly found in both temperate and cold waters worldwide, particularly in the northern hemisphere. Smelts typically grow to lengths of about two to eight inches. They often occupy coastal areas, estuaries, and rivers, and are known for their anadromous behavior – migrating from saltwater to freshwater to spawn.
As a verb, "smelts" means to melt or fuse a metal, usually a purer form of metal, by applying heat. This process helps separate and remove impurities from the metal. Smelting is a crucial step in the production of various metals like iron, copper, silver, and gold. It involves heating the raw ore and adding chemical agents to facilitate the separation and refining of the desired metal. Smelting has been employed by humans for thousands of years and has played a significant role in the development of civilizations and advancement of metallurgy. The term "smelts" is commonly used in industrial and mining contexts.
The word "smelts" can have different etymologies depending on its specific meaning. Here are two possibilities:
1. Smelts as a noun: In this context, "smelts" commonly refers to small, silvery fish found in freshwater or saltwater. The word "smelts" is derived from the Old English word "smeltan", which means "to melt" or "to dissolve". It likely refers to the fact that these fish were commonly eaten whole, including the bones, which would "dissolve" or melt in the mouth.
2. Smelts as a verb: When used as a verb, "smelts" refers to the process of purifying a metal (such as iron or lead) by melting it and removing impurities. The word "smelts" in this context has a different etymology.
