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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

See Examples For:

cast iron cast-iron

Laura Cherkas gives Aurora Sanchez a cast iron pan.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026

The snake and cast iron plant can also tolerate darker areas in your home.

From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2026

Made In’s sets deliver the durability and heat performance of traditional cast iron without the need for seasoning, and they move seamlessly from stovetop to oven to table.

From Salon ● Nov. 20, 2025

He called on Lammy to give his "cast iron assurance" that Kebatu will be deported from the country by the end of the week.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2025

After five days of digging, we were finally rewarded with the sound of a pick hitting cast iron.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Fry the flautas in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until golden brown.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026

Victorian-era charms include brownstones, cast-iron storefronts and dozens of Tiffany stained-glass windows in churches.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

This one embraces two of the South’s most cherished cornbread traditions: a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet and bacon drippings.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

It's been no secret that Buckingham Palace has wanted to see him move out of such a grand setting, but it's also recognised that he has a cast-iron lease, independently held.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2025

Grandpa was standing behind the counter, his one hand resting on the cast-iron string holder.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns