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iron

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Iron is defined as an element used to create a strong metal, that can be magnetized, that rusts in moist air and that naturally occurs in the blood.

Facts About Iron

The element iron is a silvery gray color when it is mined.
It can quickly turn a rusty color.
Its symbol is Fe, for the Latin word "ferrum."
It boils at 5182° F and melts at 2800° F
The Earth’s crust is made of 5% iron, and scientists believe that nearly all of the earth’s core is made of iron.
It is the iron oxide, or rust, which gives the planet Mars its reddish color.
Sources for iron are the minerals magnetite, hematite, taconite, siderite, and limonite.
Compared to other elements, iron is fairly abundant in the universe; in fact, it is the sixth most abundant element.
It is found in a few classes of meteorites and in abundance in many stars and planets. The Earth’s core is mostly iron and it is the fourth most common element found in the Earth’s crust.
Iron is formed during nucleosynthesis in stars, which is the process of creating new atomic nuclei from protons and neutrons.
Iron is necessary for plant and animal life. It is present in the hemoglobin molecule and assists plants in the manufacture of chlorophyll.
People have been using iron for over 5,000 years. It became popular with early cultures in part because it is abundant and because it was stronger than the bronze it replaced.

(noun)

An example of iron is a silvery gray metal used to make steel.
An example of iron is what you need if you are anemic.

The definition of an iron is a heated tool used to press flat or brand animals.

(noun)

An example of an iron is a heated curler for styling hair.
An example of an iron is a flat bottomed household appliance that can smooth and press cloth.

The definition of iron is something that is strong and enduring.

(adjective)

An example of iron used as an adjective is an iron will, a strong will.

To iron is defined as to press something flat using a heated, heavy tool.

(verb)

An example of iron is to get the wrinkles out a shirt.

See iron in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a white, malleable, ductile, metallic chemical element that can be readily magnetized, rusts rapidly in moist or salty air, and is vital to plant and animal life: it is the most common and important of all metals, and its alloys, as steel, are extensively used: symbol, Fe; at. no., 26
any tool, implement, device, apparatus, etc. made of iron, as
1. a device with a handle and flat, smooth undersurface, used, when heated, for pressing clothes or cloth; flatiron
2. a rodlike device with a brand at one end, heated for branding cattle
  in full branding iron
iron shackles or chains
firm strength; power
Slang a pistol
Golf any of a set of numbered clubs with metal heads having various lofts; specif., the with little loft, used chiefly for relatively long fairway shots; the with medium loft; and the with much loft, used chiefly for short, lofted shots to the green
Med. a tonic or other preparation containing iron

Origin: ME iren < OE (chiefly poetic & prob. dissimilated), var. of isern, isen akin to Goth eisarn) < Gmc *īsarna, akin to early Celt *isarno, prob. via Illyrian *eisarno- < IE base *eis-, to move vigorously; strong, holy (> ire): orig. sense prob. “the strong metal,” in contrast to the softer bronze

adjective

of or consisting of iron
like iron, as
1. firm; unyielding: an iron will
2. capable of great endurance; strong: an iron constitution
cruel; merciless

transitive verb

to furnish or cover with iron
to put (a prisoner) in irons
to press (clothes or cloth) smooth or flat with a hot iron

intransitive verb

to iron clothes or cloth

See iron in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Symbol Fe A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic or magnetizable, metallic element occurring abundantly in combined forms, notably in hematite, limonite, magnetite, and taconite, and used alloyed in a wide range of important structural materials. Atomic number 26; atomic weight 55.845; melting point 1,535°C; boiling point 2,750°C; specific gravity 7.874 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 6. See Table at element.
An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.
Great hardness or strength; firmness: a will of iron.
Sports Any of a series of golf clubs having a bladelike metal head and numbered from one to nine in order of increasing loft.
A metal appliance with a handle and a weighted flat bottom, used when heated to press wrinkles from fabric.
A harpoon.
irons Fetters; shackles.
A tonic, pill, or other medication containing iron and taken as a dietary supplement.

adjective