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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 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

“I started off with just changing out all my cookware to cast iron, changing out my workout clothes, because all of the polyester stuff has PFAS,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2025

Made of cast iron, the plowshare was shaped like a V, with the blade carving into the ground and the two arms arcing away like gull wings.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

In an era of public offerings and rich acquisitions, the Lodge family has kept a tight grip on the handle of its cast-iron business since 1896.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 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

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

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns