Word Frequency
steel (stiːl
)
Definitions
noun
-
- any of various alloys based on iron containing carbon (usually 0.1–1.7 per cent) and often small quantities of other elements such as phosphorus, sulphur, manganese, chromium, and nickel. Steels exhibit a variety of properties, such as strength, machinability, malleability, etc, depending on their composition and the way they have been treated
- (as modifier) ⇒
steel girders
See also stainless steel
- something that is made of steel
- a steel stiffener in a corset, etc
- a ridged steel rod with a handle used for sharpening knives
- the quality of hardness, esp with regard to a person's character or attitudes
- (stock exchange) the quotation for steel shares See also steels
- modifier resembling steel ⇒
steel determination
verb
- to fit, plate, edge, or point with steel
- to make hard and unfeeling ⇒
he steeled his heart against her sorrow
,he steeled himself for the blow
Derived Forms
ˈsteely adjectiveˈsteeliness noun
Word Origin
Old English stēli; related to Old High German stehli, Middle Dutch staelExample Sentences Including 'steeliness'
It is endearing because while there is a steeliness about Lulu, her vulnerability still shows through.Sun, News of the World (1999)
More cooperation,' he said, with a little steeliness to his voice.INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS (2002)
There is an impressive air about him, a steeliness that hints at greater things to come.Times, Sunday Times (2004)
Where before there was something of the boy in the bubble about James Walsh now there's a new steeliness in his glare.NME (New Musical Express) (2003)
``I think in the last 10 weeks we haven't really showed that kind of steeliness we've had in the past.The Australian (2004)
Sponsored Links
Log in to comment on this word.
Comments