ˈaɪən
ˈaɪərnmetal
1 [uncountable] (symb. Fe) a chemical element. Iron is a hard strong metal that is used to make steel and is also found in small quantities in blood and foodcast/wrought/corrugated ironiron gates/bars/railingsan iron and steel worksiron ore (= rock containing iron)patients with iron deficiency (= not enough iron in their blood)iron tablets (= containing iron prepared as a medicine) (figurative) She had a will of iron (= it was very strong).tool
2 [countable] a tool with a flat metal base that can be heated and used to make clothes smootha steam iron3 [countable] (usually in compounds) a tool made of iron or another metal see also branding iron, soldering iron, tire ironfor prisoners
4 irons [plural] chains or other heavy objects made of iron, attached to the arms and legs of prisoners, especially in the pastleg irons (old-fashioned) to clap somebody in ironsin golf
5 [countable] one of the set of clubs (= sticks for hitting the ball with) that have a metal headHe hit a magnificent shot with a nine iron. compare woodIdioms
have several, etc. irons in the fire
to be involved in several activities or areas of business at the same time, hoping that at least one will be successful
