iron

A common strong metal used to make tools and buildings, and needed in small amounts by the body.

• This gate is made of iron.
• Iron rusts when exposed to water and air.
• Beans can provide iron in your diet.

Common phrases: cast iron, iron ore, iron in blood, wrought iron

An appliance with a hot, flat base that makes clothes smooth.

• The iron is hot.
• She bought a new steam iron.
• Have you unplugged the iron?

Common phrases: a steam iron, a hot iron, unplug the iron

Great strength or toughness, described as if it were a very hard metal.

• She has a will of iron.
• The rescue worker needed nerves of iron.
• After that long climb, he seemed made of iron.

Similar words: strength, toughness

Opposites: weakness

Common phrases: will of iron, nerves of iron, made of iron

A gun, especially one carried by someone.

• He carried iron under his coat.
• The outlaw drew his iron.
• She found a loaded iron in the drawer.

Similar words: gun, firearm, piece

Common phrases: carry iron, a loaded iron, draw your iron

Made from the strong metal used for gates, tools, and many other objects.

• They closed the iron gate.
• An old iron bridge crosses the river.
• The prison windows had thick iron bars.

Common phrases: an iron gate, iron bars, an iron bridge

Very strong and determined, or so strict that it does not allow change.

• She has an iron will.
• The coach maintained iron discipline.
• He ruled the country with an iron grip.

Similar words: firm, unyielding, inflexible, resolute

Opposites: weak, flexible

Common phrases: an iron will, iron discipline, an iron grip

To make clothes or cloth smooth by moving a hot, flat appliance over them.

• I need to iron my shirt.
• She ironed the curtains before hanging them.
• Have you ironed your trousers yet?

Similar words: press

Common phrases: iron a shirt, iron your clothes, iron something flat, wash and iron

To fit or cover something with a strong metal, especially to protect or strengthen it.

• The smith ironed the wagon.
• They ironed the wooden wheels for strength.
• The chest had been ironed with thick metal bands.

How to use it: iron something with something (The smith ironed the wooden chest with heavy bands.)

Common phrases: iron a wagon, iron the wheels, iron with bands