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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

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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

Made In 7-piece Enameled Cast Iron Set -Enameled cast iron is a meaningful upgrade for any home cook ready to level up.

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

Adjoining stores sold cast iron skillets, toys and old-fashioned candies, with rocking chairs out front for waiting customers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 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

Historians from Albany or Troy, N.Y., may object to the supposition that Philadelphia was the national headquarters of the early cast-iron stove industry.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

The lofty cast-iron dome was virtually finished during the Civil War, over the opposition of those who felt the funds and the workmen should be put to military use.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 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

Plaza Park has been home to a water feature since March 1887, when a prominent women’s group raised funds to place a three-tiered cast-iron fountain at the center of the park.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2025

Before the puzzled faces of Mr. and Mrs. Beale, he opened the front door and looked at the three cast-iron digits nailed to the door frame: seven two eight.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

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