iron

 
Pronunciation: /ˈʌɪən/

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  • 2a tool or implement now or originally made of iron: a caulking iron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

Phrases

have many (or other) irons in the fire

have a range of options or courses of action available, or be involved in many activities or commitments at the same time.

in irons

  • 1having the feet or hands fettered.
  • 2(of a sailing vessel) stalled head to wind and unable to come about or tack either way.

iron hand (or fist)

used to refer to firmness or ruthlessness of attitude or behaviour: he ruled with an iron hand

an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove

firmness or ruthlessness cloaked in outward gentleness.

Phrasal Verbs

iron something out

solve or settle difficulties or problems: they had ironed out their differences

Derivatives

ironer

noun

iron-like

adjective

Origin:

Old English īren, īsen, īsern, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch ijzer and German Eisen, and probably ultimately from Celtic