definition of transition metal
Definition. Elements that lose electrons easily, that are lustrous and malleable and that are good conductors of heat and electricity are known as metals. Metal elements can be broken down into several categories, one of which is the category of transition metals. A transition metal is defined as a metal with inner d or f orbitals being filled. Orbitals describe ways that electrons can be organized around a nucleus. There are four types of orbitals: s, p, d and f.