iron
/'aiən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A heavy metallic element (Fe): A strong, magnetic, silver-gray metal that is very common, used to make steel and found in blood.
- A tool for smoothing clothes: A household appliance with a flat, heated metal base used to remove wrinkles from fabric.
- A type of golf club: A golf club with a metal head, typically used for shorter shots.
- A restraint: (Often plural: irons) Chains or shackles used to bind someone.
Verb:
- To press clothes: To use a heated iron to smooth wrinkles from fabric.
- To shackle: To bind or fetter with irons.
Adjective:
- Made of iron: Constructed from the metal iron.
- Very strong or inflexible: Extremely robust, unyielding, or harsh.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Element):
- The bridge is made of iron and steel.
- Spinach is a good source of dietary iron.
- Noun (Tool):
- She plugged in the iron to press her dress.
- Noun (Golf):
- He selected a 7-iron for the approach shot.
- Noun (Restraint):
- The prisoner's hands were bound in irons.
- Verb (Press clothes):
- He needs to iron his shirt before the meeting.
- Verb (Shackle):
- The captives were ironed and led away.
- Adjective (Strong):
- She has an iron will and never gives up.
Advanced Usage
- "To have many/several irons in the fire": To be involved in many different activities or projects at the same time.
- She's not worried about one job failing; she has several irons in the fire.
- "To rule with an iron fist/hand": To govern or control in a very strict and often cruel way.
- The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
Variants and Related Words
- Ironclad (adj): Very strong and not able to be changed or argued against.
- They had an ironclad alibi for that night.
- Ironwork (n): Objects or parts made of iron.
- The beautiful ironwork on the balcony was over a century old.
- Ironware (n): Articles made of iron, such as tools or utensils.
Synonyms
- Noun (Element): Ferrum (scientific), metal.
- Noun (Tool): Flatiron, clothes press.
- Verb (Press): Press, smooth.
- Adjective (Strong): Unyielding, inflexible, steely, tough.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Iron out: To resolve or smooth out difficulties or problems.
- We need to iron out the final details of the contract.
Related Idioms
- "Strike while the iron is hot": To take advantage of an opportunity immediately while conditions are favorable.
- Interest is high now, so let's strike while the iron is hot and launch the product.
- "Pump iron": (Informal) To lift weights for exercise.
- He spends an hour every morning pumping iron at the gym.
Verb
- press and smooth with a heated iron
- press your shirts
- she stood there ironing
Noun
- home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth
- implement used to brand live stock
- a golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head
- a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
Adjective
- extremely robust
- an iron constitution