iron-sick

American  

[ahy-ern-sik] / ˈaɪ ərnˌsɪk /

Or ironsick

adjective

Nautical.

1. noting a wooden hull, fastened with iron, in which chemical interaction between the iron and the wood has resulted in the decay of both; nail-sick.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• iron sickness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of iron-sick

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

That old ship of the faith was leaky and iron-sick, and down by the head and heel, as they say at sea.

From 'Charge It' Keeping Up With Harry by Bacheller, Irving