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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, enameled cast iron and carbon steel all work.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2022

Cast iron: My cast iron–fried eggs were delicious, with great crispiness.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2022

Price: ~$125 Kitchen Kapers Cuisinart Classic Enameled Cast Iron Cast iron skillets are fantastic, offering unparalleled heat for cooking at home.

From The Verge • Aug. 5, 2019

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

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2018

Cast iron, therefore, would receive no attention if it were not for its far greater cheapness as compared to wrought iron or steel.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 794, March 21, 1891 by Various