| iris |
noun |
The goddess of the rainbow, and swift-footed messenger of the gods., The rainbow., An appearance resembling the rainbow; a prismatic play of colors., The contractile membrane perforated by the pupil, and forming the colored portion of the eye. See Eye., A genus of plants having showy flowers and bulbous or tuberous roots, of which the flower-de-luce (fleur-de-lis), orris, and other species of flag are examples. See Illust. of Flower-de-luce., See Fleur-de-lis, 2. |
| iron |
noun |
The most common and most useful metallic element, being of almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite, etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms; viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic weight 55.9. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances., An instrument or utensil made of iron; — chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc., Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles., Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron., Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust., Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness., Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.;, Rude; hard; harsh; severe., Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution., Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will., Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious., To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; — sometimes used with out., To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff., To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon. |