cast-iron

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkast-ˈī(-ə)rn 

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

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

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

Examples of cast-iron in a Sentence

Adjective

lost weight only after a cast-iron adherence to his diet

he has a cast-iron faith in his innate ability to overcome any adversity that life might throw against him

Noun

The fence is made of cast iron.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Cook your steak over coals, in a covered gas grill, in a cast-iron pan on the stove or under the broiler. —David Tanis, New York Times, 1 May 2024

That honor should probably go to the ensuite bathroom, the epitome of luxury living with a double glass door entry, Calacatta and Nero Marquina marble finishes, a steam shower, and a cast-iron tub wrapped in custom marble skirting. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cast iron

noun

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