metallization

This term is used almost exclusively in technical, industrial, and scientific contexts. It describes the act of making a non-metallic surface metallic or adding a metallic layer to an existing one. In general manufacturing, it often refers to decorative or protective coatings, such as vacuum metallization used for mirrors or automotive trim.

In the field of semiconductor fabrication, the term has a more specific meaning. It refers to the critical stage of creating the conductive pathways (interconnects) that link transistors and other components on a chip. In this context, it is a precise engineering process involving materials like aluminum or copper.

Because it describes a process or a state of being "metallized," it is typically used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general technique, but can be used as a countable noun when referring to a specific instance or a specific layer in a multi-layer circuit design.