iron Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
    atomic number 26; Fe.
  2. noun a golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head
  3. noun implement used to brand live stock
    branding iron.
  4. noun home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth
    smoothing iron.
  5. verb press and smooth with a heated iron
    press; iron out.
    • press your shirts
    • she stood there ironing
  6. adjective satellite extremely robust
    cast-iron.
    • an iron constitution

WordNet

I"ron noun
Etymology
OE. iren, AS. iren, isen, isern; akin to D. ijzer, OS. isarn, OHG. isarn, isan, G. eisen, Icel. isarn, jarn, Sw. & Dan. jern, and perh. to E. ice; cf. Ir. iarann, W. haiarn, Armor. houarn.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) The most common and most useful metallic element, being of almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite, etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms; viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or an fresh surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic weight 55.9. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances. ✍ The value of iron is largely due to the facility with which it can be worked. Thus, when heated it is malleable and ductile, and can be easily welded and forged at a high temperature. As cast iron, it is easily fusible; as steel, is very tough, and (when tempered) very hard and elastic. Chemically, iron is grouped with cobalt and nickel. Steel is a variety of iron containing more carbon than wrought iron, but less that cast iron. It is made either from wrought iron, by roasting in a packing of carbon (cementation) or from cast iron, by burning off the impurities in a Bessemer converter (then called Bessemer steel), or directly from the iron ore (as in the Siemens rotatory and generating furnace).
  2. An instrument or utensil made of iron; -- chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
    My young soldier, put up your iron. Shak.
  3. pl. Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.
    Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons. Macaulay.
  4. Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron.
I"ron adjective
Etymology
AS. iren, isen. See Iron, n.
Definitions
  1. Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust.
  2. Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.
  3. Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.; as: (a) Rude; hard; harsh; severe.
    Iron years of wars and dangers. Rowe.
    Jove crushed the nations with an iron rod. Pope.
    (b) Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution. (c) Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will. (d) Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious. "Him death's iron sleep oppressed." Philips. ✍ Iron is often used in composition, denoting made of iron, relating to iron, of or with iron; producing iron, etc.; resembling iron, literally or figuratively, in some of its properties or characteristics; as, iron-shod, iron-sheathed, iron-fisted, iron-framed, iron-handed, iron-hearted, iron foundry or iron-foundry.
I"ron transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Ironed ; present participle & verbal noun Ironing
Definitions
  1. To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; -- sometimes used with out.
  2. To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff. "Ironed like a malefactor." Sir W. Scott.
  3. To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon. iron out differences = resolve differences; settle a dispute.

Webster 1913