n.
Pronunciation: ' ī (- ə )rn
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ī sern, ī ren; akin to Old High German ī sarn iron
Date: before 12th century
1 : a silver-white malleable ductile magnetic heavy metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs native in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most used of metals, and is vital to biological processes ― see ELEMENT table
2 : something made of iron: as a plural : shackles for the hands or legs b : a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing c : a household device usually with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (as cloth) d : STIRRUP ― usually used in plural e : any of a series of numbered golf clubs having relatively thin metal heads ― compare WOOD
3 : great strength, hardness, or determination
– iron in the fire
1 : a matter requiring close attention
2 : a prospective course of action