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¹iron

noun \ˈī(-ə)rn\

: a heavy type of metal that is very common, occurs naturally in blood, and is used to make steel and in many products

: a device with a flat metal base that is heated and is used to press wrinkles out of clothing

: a golf club that has a metal head and is identified by a number

Full Definition of IRON

: a silver-white malleable ductile magnetic heavy metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs native in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most used of metals, and is vital to biological processes — see element table

: something made of iron: as

a plural : shackles for the hands or legs

b : a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing

c : a household device usually with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (as cloth)

d : stirrup —usually used in plural

e : any of a series of numbered golf clubs having relatively thin metal heads — compare wood

: great strength, hardness, or determination

— iron in the fire

: a matter requiring close attention

: a prospective course of action

See iron defined for English-language learners

See iron defined for kids

Origin of IRON

Middle English, from Old English īsern, īren; akin to Old High German īsarn iron

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

assay, bloom, bullion, ductile, ingot, malleable, patina, plate, temper, tensile

²iron

adjective

: made of iron

: very strong

Full Definition of IRON

: of, relating to, or made of iron

: resembling iron

a : strong and healthy : robust <an iron constitution>

b : inflexible, unrelenting <iron determination>

c : holding or binding fast <an iron grip>

— iron·ness \ˈī(-ə)rn-nəs\ noun

See iron defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of IRON

before 12th century

Related to IRON

Synonyms: forceful, hearty, firm, lusty, robust, solid, stout, strong, sturdy, vigorous

Antonyms: uncertain, weak

³iron

verb

: to use a heated iron to make clothing or fabric smooth

Full Definition of IRON

transitive verb

: to furnish or cover with iron

: to shackle with irons

a : to smooth with or as if with a heated iron <iron a shirt>

b : to remove (as wrinkles) by ironing

intransitive verb

: to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron

See iron defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of IRON

15th century

IRON Defined for Kids

¹iron

noun \ˈī-ərn\

Definition of IRON for Kids

: a heavy silvery white metallic chemical element that rusts easily, is strongly attracted by magnets, occurs in meteorites and combined in minerals, and is necessary for transporting oxygen in the blood

: a device that is heated and used for making cloth smooth

: a device that is heated to perform a task <a soldering iron>

irons plural : handcuffs or chains used to bind or to hinder movement

²iron

adjective

Definition of IRON for Kids

: made of iron

: strong and healthy <He has an iron constitution.>

: not giving in <an iron will>

³iron

verb

ironediron·ing

Definition of IRON for Kids

: to press with a heated iron

Medical Dictionary

iron

noun \ˈī(-ə)rn\

Medical Definition of IRON

: a heavy malleable ductile magnetic silver-white metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs native in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most used of metals, and is vital to biological processes (as in transport of oxygen in the body)—symbol Fe; see element table

: iron chemically combined <iron in the blood>

—iron adjective