I. ˈ ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷)| ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: iron (I) + clad
1. : sheathed in, protected by, or having an exterior of iron — used especially of naval vessels
2.
a. : rigorous , severe , exacting
an ironclad oath
ironclad controls
b. : inflexible , rigid
an ironclad rule
ironclad caste distinctions
c. : vigorously determined : fixed and unshakable
an ironclad patriot
an ironclad defense
3. of a plant : highly resistant to unfavorable environmental factors (as cold)
only the most ironclad roses thrive so far north
developed several ironclad apricots for the North Central states
II. ˈ ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷)ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
1. : an armored naval vessel
2. : one (as a knight in armor or a person of precise and rigid morality) that is felt to resemble an armored vessel