iron
/ˈaɪ.ən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A strong, hard metal used for tools, buildings, and machines. It is also an essential mineral in the body and in food.
- The bridge is made of iron.
- Spinach is a good source of iron.
verb
To smooth clothes with a hot iron. It can also mean to remove wrinkles from fabric.
- She irons her shirts on Sunday.
- Please iron this dress before the meeting.
adjective
Made of iron, or very strong and hard in a literal or figurative way.
- They built an iron gate.
- He has iron discipline.
Adinary Nuance
Iron is the basic word for the metal, but steel is an alloy made mostly from iron and carbon. In everyday English, iron can also mean the household appliance used to press clothes, while steel does not. For a writer, iron sounds more general and basic than steel, which often suggests strength plus industrial manufacture.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sắt
- Spanish
- hierro
- Chinese
- 铁
- Japanese
- 鉄
- Korean
- 철
Etymology
Old English had the word iren, from a Germanic source. The modern spelling and pronunciation developed over time in Middle English.
Common phrases
iron oreiron deficiencyiron gateiron will
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is iron a countable noun or uncountable noun?
- Usually uncountable when talking about the metal or the mineral. You can also say 'an iron' for the appliance.
- What is the difference between iron and steel?
- Iron is a metal. Steel is made from iron mixed with carbon and is usually stronger.
- Can iron be used as a verb?
- Yes. It means to press clothes with a hot iron.