1 cast iron | Definition of cast iron

cast-iron

adjective
\ ˈkast-ˈī(-ə)rn How to pronounce cast-iron (audio) \

Definition of cast-iron

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : made of cast iron
2 : resembling cast iron: such as
a : capable of withstanding great strain a cast-iron stomach
b : not admitting change, adaptation, or exception : rigid a cast-iron will
c British : not likely to fail or be broken : airtight "Clever idea, Black, getting yourself seen on a safe station platform … gave you a cast-iron excuse not to leave your hidey-hole in future, didn't it?"— J. K. Rowling

cast iron

noun

Definition of cast iron (Entry 2 of 2)

: a commercial alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon that is cast in a mold and is hard, brittle, nonmalleable, and incapable of being hammer-welded but more easily fusible than steel

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Synonyms & Antonyms for cast-iron

Synonyms: Adjective

brassbound, exacting, hard-line, inflexible, rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent, uncompromising

Antonyms: Adjective

flexible, lax, loose, relaxed, slack

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Examples of cast-iron in a Sentence

Noun

The fence is made of cast iron.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

For the carrots: In a cast iron skillet, heat safflower oil over medium-high heat. — CBS News, "The Dish: Chef Anya Fernald shares her signature recipes," 24 Aug. 2019 Meanwhile, cook bacon in a cast iron skillet or grill pan until crispy and browned. — al, "Serve a meal inspired by Alabama’s 200-year history," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cast-iron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cast-iron

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for cast-iron

cast-iron

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of cast-iron

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: made of cast iron
: very strong or tough
British : not likely to fail or be broken

cast iron

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cast iron (Entry 2 of 2)

: a very hard type of metal that is made into different shapes by being melted and poured into special containers (called casts or molds)

cast iron

noun

Kids Definition of cast iron

: a hard and brittle alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon shaped by being poured into a mold while melted

More from Merriam-Webster on cast-iron

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cast-iron

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cast-iron