iron

[[t]a͟ɪ͟ə(r)n[/t]]

♦♦♦

irons, ironing, ironed

1) N-UNCOUNT: oft N n Iron is an element which usually takes the form of a hard, dark grey metal. It is used to make steel, and also forms part of many tools, buildings, and vehicles. Very small amounts of iron occur in your blood and in food.

→ See also cast-iron

The huge, iron gate was locked.

...the highest grade iron ore deposits in the world...

Some would call these odd pieces of iron and wood `antiques'...

He was a tall, lanky man with iron-grey hair.

2) N-COUNT An iron is an electrical device with a flat metal base. You heat it until the base is hot, then rub it over clothes to remove creases.

3) VERB If you iron clothes, you remove the creases from them using an iron.

[V n] She used to iron his shirts...

[V-ed] Don't you think there's something nice about a freshly ironed shirt?

Syn:

press

Derived words:

ironing N-UNCOUNT

I managed to get all the ironing done this morning.

4) ADJ: ADJ n You can use iron to describe the character or behaviour of someone who is very firm in their decisions and actions, or who can control their feelings well.

...a man of icy nerve and iron will...

She delighted in the nickname, the `iron lady'.

5) ADJ: ADJ n Iron is used in expressions such as an iron hand and iron discipline to describe strong, harsh, or unfair methods of control which do not allow people much freedom.

He died in 1985 after ruling Albania with an iron fist for 40 years.

...a people living permanently in the iron grip of poverty.

6) PHRASE If someone has a lot of irons in the fire, they are involved in several different activities or have several different plans.

Too many irons in the fire can sap your energy and prevent you from seeing which path to take.

7) PHRASE: V inflects If someone pumps iron, they exercise by lifting weights using special machines. [INFORMAL]

Phrasal Verbs:

- iron out