- 1[uncountable] (symbol Fe) a chemical element. Iron is a hard strong metal that is used to make steel and is also found in small quantities in blood and food cast/wrought iron iron gates/bars/railings an iron and steel works iron ore (= rock containing iron) patients with an iron deficiency (= not enough iron in their blood) iron pills (= containing iron prepared as a medicine) (figurative) She had a will of iron (= it was very strong).
tool -
2[countable] a tool with a flat metal base that can be heated and used to make clothes smooth a steam iron
- 3[countable] (usually in compounds) a tool made of iron or another metal see branding iron, soldering iron, tire iron for prisoners
- 4irons [plural] chains or other heavy objects made of iron, attached to the arms and legs of prisoners, especially in the past leg irons (old-fashioned) to clap somebody in irons in golf
- 5[countable] one of the set of clubs (= sticks for hitting the ball with) that have a metal head He hit a magnificent shot with a nine iron. compare wood Idioms
metal
to be involved in several activities or areas of business at the same time, hoping that at least one will be successful
to do exercises in which you lift heavy weights in order to make your muscles stronger
to make use of an opportunity immediately This expression refers to a blacksmith making a shoe for a horse. He has to strike/hammer the iron while it is hot enough to bend into the shape of the shoe.
Check pronunciation: iron