iron

i•ron

[[t]ˈaɪ ərn[/t]] n.

1) chem. a ductile, malleable, silver-white metallic element, used in its impure carbon-containing forms for making tools, implements, machinery, etc

Symbol: Fe; at. wt.: 55.847; at. no.: 26; sp. gr.: 7.86 at 20°C.

2) something hard, strong, unyielding, or the like:

hearts of iron[/ex]

3) an instrument, utensil, weapon, etc., made of iron

4) an appliance with a flat metal bottom, used when heated, as by electricity, to press or smooth clothes, linens, etc

5) spo any of a series of nine iron-headed golf clubs having progressively sloped-back faces, used for driving or lofting the ball

Compare wood I, 6)

6) a branding iron

7) a harpoon

8) irons, shackles or fetters

9) a sword

10) of, containing, or made of iron

11) resembling iron in firmness, strength, color, etc

12) stern; harsh; cruel

13) inflexible; unrelenting

14) strong; robust; healthy

15) holding or binding strongly:

an iron grip[/ex]

16) to smooth or press with a heated iron, as clothes or linens

17) to furnish, mount, or arm with iron

18) to shackle or fetter with irons

19) to press clothes, linens, etc., with an iron

20) phv iron out

to resolve or clear away (difficulties, etc.)

•

- irons in the fire

Etymology: bef. 900; ME, OE īren