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Glite Dictionary
cast-iron

cast-iron

6 4.8
Very strong and not easy to break or doubt
  • adjective
  • /ˈkæstˌaɪərn/
translation icon : de hierro fundido
  • A steam bellows fanned the fire inside, and there was a black cast-iron boiler and a three-headed Swedish Primus stove.
  • cast-iron plate
  • cast-iron wheel
  • heavy cast-iron

Examples

  • Engineers installed a cast-iron suction bracket to provide precise alignment between the pump and motor.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Speaker, the Prime Minister didn't answer my question about a cast iron guarantee.

  • The new models are constructed with a rugged cast-iron housing for weatherproof, submersible, or buried service applications.

    Academic text (2005)

  • This cast-iron bridge was built to withstand extreme weather conditions.

  • The chef praised the durability of his cast-iron cookware, saying it never warps.

  • Many homeowners prefer cast-iron sinks for their strength and resistance to damage.

Synonyms

iron
vscast-iron
27 5.1

Very strong and not easy to break or weaken

has identical meaning but is a hyphenated compound form

Antonyms

weak
524 1.0

Not strong in body or muscles and easily tired

fragile
83 3.4

Easily broken or damaged because it is not strong

How Strong

cast-iron
6 4.8
strong
∞ 1.0
sturdy
76 2.1

Surface Forms

cast-iron positive

Morphology

cast-iron = cast + iron (semi-transparent) = cast + iron

The components are literal (iron that has been cast), but the adjectival meaning 'extremely strong/firm' is a metaphorical extension beyond the material sense.

Etymology

The word cast-iron comes from the metal cast iron, which is made by pouring hot iron into a mold and cast means 'to pour'. So to call something cast-iron is to say it is very strong or certain, like an object made from that hard metal.