Which type of metal is described as any metal that is not formed from iron?

The term that describes any metal that is not derived from iron is non-ferrous metal. This classification includes a variety of metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc, which do not contain significant amounts of iron. Non-ferrous metals are important in various applications due to their properties such as resistance to corrosion, lower density, and good conductivity.

In contrast, ferrous metals contain iron and are primarily distinguished by their magnetic properties and susceptibility to rust. Alloy metals refer to combinations of different metals and are often engineered to enhance certain characteristics. Composite metals are materials made from two or more constituent materials but do not specifically designate a category of metals based on their iron content. Thus, non-ferrous metal is the accurate choice because it exclusively identifies those metals without iron, defining their unique characteristics and uses.