[iron] n [ME, fr. OE isern, iren; akin to OHG isarn iron] (bef. 12c) 1: a heavy malleable ductile magnetic silver-white 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
2: something made of iron: as a pl: shackles for the hands or legs b: a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing c: a household device usu. with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (as cloth) d: stirrup--usu. used in pl. 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
[2]iron adj (bef. 12c) 1: of, relating to, or made of iron
2: resembling iron 3 a: strong and healthy: robust b: inflexible, unrelenting "~ determination" c: holding or binding fast "an ~ grip" -- iron.ness n [3]iron vt (15c) 1: to furnish or cover with iron
2: to shackle with irons 3 a: to smooth with or as if with a heated iron "~ a shirt" b: to remove (as wrinkles) by ironing ~ vi: to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron