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Glite Dictionary
andiron

andiron

1 9.9
A metal support, one of a pair, that holds logs in a fireplace
  • noun
  • /ˈændɪrn/
translation icon : tranca
  • The old fireplace had a beautiful set of andirons to support the burning logs.
  • fireplace andirons
  • brass andirons
  • set of andirons

Examples

  • The antique andirons added charm to the cozy living room fireplace.

  • She set the long spit in the tall andirons and put the dripping pan underneath.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Shyer cats lurked in the shadows, behind the andirons, on top of the cupboards.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • A log tumbled forward on the hearth, striking gouts of sparks against the andirons.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • He carefully arranged the logs on the andirons before lighting the fire.

Synonyms

dog
vsandiron
  • Archaic
8 9.9

A metal support that holds logs in a fireplace

has identical sense but is a shorter, informal label
firedog
vsandiron
  • Archaic
9.6

A metal support that holds logs in a fireplace

has identical meaning but is the more traditional term
dog-iron
vsandiron
  • Archaic
9.9

A metal stand in a fireplace that holds logs while they burn

has the same meaning but differs slightly in spelling or form

Surface Forms

andirons plural

Etymology

Andiron comes from an old French word andier that meant a 'support for a fire'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of it as the two words and and iron, because an andiron is one of a pair of metal supports that hold logs while they burn.