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• cast iron
  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
  cast-iron

  adjective

  made of cast iron.

cast iron

¹ American  

noun

1. 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.

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cast-iron ² American  

[kast-ahy-ern, kahst-] / ˈkæstˈaɪ ərn, ˈkɑst- /

adjective

1. made of cast iron.

2. not subject to change or exception.

   a cast-iron rule.

3. hardy.

   a cast-iron stomach.

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cast iron British  

noun

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

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adjective

1. made of cast iron

2. rigid, strong, or unyielding

   a cast-iron decision

Etymology

Origin of cast iron¹

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

Origin of cast-iron²

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Cast iron is legitimately perfect for steak, but it's also great for anything you'd like to sear, as well as some desserts and pizza crusts.

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2023

Cast iron, enameled cast iron and carbon steel all work.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2022

Photo: Lodge Cast iron pots are one of my key kitchen tools.

From The Verge • Jun. 6, 2020

Cast iron holds heat really well, which makes it ideal for getting a nice crust.

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2018

Cast iron was about the same time used for arches, and some of the early railway bridges were built with cast iron girders.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various