iron

noun

1. 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
2. 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
3. iron shackles or chains
4. firm strength; power
5. Slang a pistol
6. Golf any of a set of numbered clubs with metal heads having various lofts; specif., the number 2 iron with little loft, used chiefly for relatively long fairway shots; the number 5 iron with medium loft; and the number 9 iron with much loft, used chiefly for short, lofted shots to the green
7. Med. a tonic or other preparation containing iron

Etymology: 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

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

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb