iron

noun

• 1 [mass noun] a strong, hard magnetic silvery-grey metal, the chemical element of atomic number 26, much used as a material for construction and manufacturing, especially in the form of steel. Compare with steel. (Symbol: Fe)
• used figuratively as a symbol or type of firmness, strength, or resistance:her father had a will of iron [as modifier]:the iron grip of religion on minority cultures

Iron is widely distributed as ores such as haematite, magnetite, and siderite, and the earth’s core is believed to consist largely of metallic iron and nickel. Besides steel, other important forms of the metal are cast iron and wrought iron. Chemically a transition element, iron is a constituent of some biological molecules, notably haemoglobin

• 2a tool or implement now or originally made of iron:a caulking iron
• (irons) metal supports for a malformed leg.
• (irons) fetters or handcuffs.
• (irons) informal stirrups.

• 3a handheld implement, typically an electrical one, with a heated flat steel base, used to smooth clothes, sheets, etc..

• 4a golf club with a metal head (typically with a numeral indicating the degree to which the head is angled in order to loft the ball): [in combination]:a four-iron
• a shot made with an iron: his long irons were majestic

• 5 Astronomy a meteorite containing a high proportion of iron.

verb

• [with object] smooth (clothes, sheets, etc.) with an iron.