steel

/sti:l/

Thân thiện

A chef runs a knife along a steel to sharpen the blade.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A strong, hard metal alloy: A material made primarily of iron with a small amount of carbon, known for its strength and durability, widely used in construction and manufacturing.
   • A sharpening tool: A rod, often with ridges, made of this metal, used for sharpening knives by realigning the blade's edge.
   • A weapon (literary/archaic): A sword or other blade weapon.

2. Verb:

   • To cover or edge with steel: To fit, plate, or reinforce something with this strong metal.
   • To mentally prepare: To make oneself emotionally strong or determined in preparation for a difficult situation.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The bridge is constructed from reinforced steel.
  • The chef used a steel to hone the knife's blade.
  • He was a knight of steel and valor. (literary)

• Verb:

  • The craftsman will steel the tip of the tool for extra durability.
  • She had to steel herself before delivering the bad news.

Advanced Usage

• "Nerves of steel": Extreme calmness and courage under pressure.

  • The surgeon needs nerves of steel to perform such delicate operations.

• "Steel trap" (mind/memory): Refers to an exceptionally sharp, quick, or retentive mind.

  • The lawyer has a mind like a steel trap, remembering every detail.

Variants and Related Words

• Steely (adj): Resembling steel in color, hardness, or strength; often used to describe a determined look or character.
  • He gave her a steely glare.
• Stainless steel (n): A type of steel alloy resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Steelworks (n): A factory where steel is manufactured.

Synonyms

• Noun (material): Alloy, metal.
• Verb (to prepare): Fortify, brace, harden, gird.

Related Phrases

• Steel oneself against/for: To prepare oneself to endure something unpleasant.
  • He steeled himself against the criticism.
• Heart of steel: An unfeeling or very determined nature.
  • It takes a heart of steel to make those decisions.

Idioms

• True as steel: Completely reliable and loyal.
  • You can trust him; he's as true as steel.
• Steel away: (Less common) To move or act with stealth or determination. (Note: The more common phrasal verb is "steal away").
  • He steeled away into the night to complete his mission.

Học thuật

Noun

1. knife sharpener consisting of a ridged steel rod
2. a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
3. an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

Verb

1. cover, plate, or edge with steel
2. get ready for something difficult or unpleasant

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sword
• blade
• brand
• nerve