cast iron

noun

an alloy of iron, carbon, and other elements, cast as a soft and strong, or as a hard and brittle, iron, depending on the mixture and methods of molding.

cast-iron

[kast-ahy-ern, kahst-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

made of cast iron.
not subject to change or exception.
a cast-iron rule.
hardy.
a cast-iron stomach.

cast iron

noun

iron containing so much carbon (1.7 to 4.5 per cent) that it cannot be wrought and must be cast into shape

adjective

made of cast iron
rigid, strong, or unyielding
a cast-iron decision

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cast iron¹

1655–65; cast (past participle of cast ( def. ) ) + iron

Origin of cast iron²

First recorded in 1655–65

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It is often used in the production of cast iron and stainless steels as well as some paint pigments, biofuels and solar panels.

From

"It's a feast of a play and really speaks to our times - it's fascinating to explore a king who has a cast iron right to rule."

From

The fireplace in her sitting room is her only source of heating, but she also uses that hearth to cook food in cast iron pots.

From

The owner currently has a chain link barrier in place to keep fans away, she now wants a cast iron gate for further deterrence.

From

One hundred life-size cast iron figures appeared in the grounds of an 18th Century house in Norfolk, in the latest major artwork by Sir Antony Gormley.

From

cast in the same mold castle

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