1. A white alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, used as a substitute for silver in making cutlery and other articles.
Usage: Also called German silver or nickel silver.; Chiefly British.

Examples

• The antique spoons were made of albata, not sterling silver.
• Albata was a popular and affordable alternative to precious metals in the 19th century.
• The manufacturer stamped 'albata' on the back of the flatware to indicate its composition.
• Because albata contains no actual silver, it is much less expensive than sterling silverware.