iron

1. Chemistry. a ductile, malleable, silver-white metallic element, scarcely known in a pure condition, but much used in its crude or impure carbon-containing forms for making tools, implements, machinery, etc. : Fe; : 55.847; : 26; : 7.86 at 20°C. Compare cast iron, pig iron, steel, wrought iron.
2. something hard, strong, rigid, unyielding, or the like:

   hearts of iron.

3. an instrument, utensil, weapon, etc., made of iron.
4. an appliance with a flat metal bottom, used when heated, as by electricity, to press or smooth clothes, linens, etc.
5. Golf. one of a series of nine iron-headed clubs having progressively sloped-back faces, used for driving or lofting the ball. Compare wood ¹( def 8 ).
6. a branding iron.
7. any of several tools, structural members, etc., of metals other than iron.
8. the blade of a carpenter's plane.
9. Slang. a pistol.
10. a harpoon.
11. Medicine/Medical. a preparation of iron or containing iron, used chiefly in the treatment of anemia, or as a styptic and astringent.
12. irons, shackles or fetters:

    Put him in irons!

13. a sword.

1. of, containing, or made of iron:

   an iron skillet.

2. resembling iron in firmness, strength, color, etc.:

   an iron will.

3. stern; harsh; cruel:

   the iron reign of a tyrant.

4. inflexible; unrelenting:

   Our club's iron rule is to treat everyone like family.

5. strong; robust; healthy:

   She lived well into her 90's with a sunny disposition and iron constitution.

6. holding or binding strongly:

   The country is in the icy, iron grip of the beast from the east, bitter Siberian winds that have trapped us in winter.

7. irritating or harsh in tone:

   an iron voice.

1. to smooth or press with a heated iron, as clothes or linens.
2. to furnish, mount, or arm with iron.
3. to shackle or fetter with irons.
4. Metalworking. to smooth and thin the walls of (an object being deep-drawn).

1. to press clothes, linens, etc., with an iron.

verb phrase

1. 1. to iron or press (an item of clothing or the like).
   2. to remove (wrinkles) from by ironing.
   3. to resolve or clear up (difficulties, disagreements, etc.):

      The problem was ironed out months ago.