The most common and most useful metallic element, being of almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite, etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms; viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic number 26, atomic weight 55.847. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances.
An instrument or utensil made of iron; - chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.
Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron.
An iron-headed club with a deep face, chiefly used in making approaches, lifting a ball over hazards, etc.
Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust.
Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.
Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.;
Rude; hard; harsh; severe.
Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution.
Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will.
Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious.
To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; - sometimes used with out.
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon.
A variety of iron intermediate in composition and properties between wrought iron and cast iron (containing between one half of one per cent and one and a half per cent of carbon), and consisting of an alloy of iron with an iron carbide. Steel, unlike wrought iron, can be tempered, and retains magnetism. Its malleability decreases, and fusibility increases, with an increase in carbon.
An instrument or implement made of steel
A weapon, as a sword, dagger, etc.
Fig.: Anything of extreme hardness; that which is characterized by sternness or rigor.
An instrument of steel (usually a round rod) for sharpening knives.
A chalybeate medicine.
A piece of steel for striking sparks from flint.
To overlay, point, or edge with steel; as, to steel a razor; to steel an ax.
To make hard or strong; hence, to make insensible or obdurate.
To cause to resemble steel, as in smoothness, polish, or other qualities.
To cover, as an electrotype plate, with a thin layer of iron by electrolysis. The iron thus deposited is very hard, like steel.
