ˈaɪən n.,
adj., & v. --n. 1 Chem. a silver-white
ductile metallic element occurring
naturally as
haematite,
magnetite,
etc.,
much used
for tools
and implements, and an
essential element in
all living organisms. °Symb.:
Fe. 2
this as a
type of unyieldingness or a
symbol of firmness (man of iron; will of iron). 3 a
tool or
implement made of iron (branding iron;
curling iron). 4 a
household,
now usu.
electrical, implement
with a flat base
which is
heated to
smooth clothes etc. 5 a
golf club with an iron or
steel sloping
face used for lofting
the ball. 6 (usu. in pl.) a
fetter (clapped in irons). 7 (usu. in pl.) a
stirrup. 8 (often in pl.) an iron
support for a malformed
leg. 9 a
preparation of iron as a
tonic or
dietary supplement (iron tablets). --adj. 1 made of iron. 2
very robust. 3
unyielding,
merciless (iron determination). --v.tr. 1 smooth (clothes etc.) with an iron. 2
furnish or
cover with iron. 3
shackle with irons. øin irons handcuffed, chained, etc. Iron
Age Archaeol. the
period following the
Bronze Age
when iron replaced bronze in the
making of implements and weapons. iron-bark
any of
various eucalyptus trees with a
thick solid bark and
hard dense timber. iron-bound 1 bound with iron. 2
rigorous; hard and fast. 3 (of a coast) rock-bound. Iron
Cross the highest
German military decoration for
bravery. Iron
Curtain a
notional barrier to the passage of
people and
information between the
Soviet bloc and the
West. iron
hand firmness or inflexibility (cf.
velvet glove). iron in the
fire an
undertaking,
opportunity, or
commitment (usu. in
pl.:
too many irons in the fire). ironing-board a flat
surface usu. on legs and of adjustable
height on which clothes etc. are ironed. iron
lung a
rigid case
fitted over a patient's
body, used for administering prolonged
artificial respiration by
means of
mechanical pumps. iron
maiden hist. an
instrument of
torture consisting of a coffin-shaped box lined with iron spikes. iron-mould (US -mold) a
spot caused by iron-rust or an ink-stain,
esp. on
fabric. iron-on
able to be fixed to the surface of a fabric etc. by ironing. iron
out remove or smooth over (difficulties etc.). iron
pyrites see PYRITES. iron
ration a
small emergency supply of
food. øøironer n. ironing n. (in
sense 1 of v.). ironless adj. iron-like adj. [OE iren, isern f. Gmc, prob. f. Celt.]