irons

n. more than one machine used to make clothes flat and smooth.

n. plural of the household appliance used to remove wrinkles from fabric by applying heat and pressure.

“The hotel laundry room has several irons available for guests to use.”

“Modern steam irons have largely replaced the heavy cast-metal versions that required external heating on a stove.”

n. a set of golf clubs with metal heads.

n. a category of golf clubs with flat metal faces, typically numbered one through nine.

“He decided to use one of his short irons to reach the green.”

“The professional golfer opted for his long irons to maintain accuracy against the strong crosswinds on the fairway.”

n. chains used to tie a prisoner's hands or feet together.

n. metal shackles or fetters used to restrain a prisoner, typically around the ankles or wrists.

“The prisoner was led away in irons after the trial ended.”

“Historical accounts describe the harrowing conditions on the ship, where captives were kept in irons for the duration of the voyage.”

Archaic · Literary

n. a situation where a sailing boat is stuck facing the wind and cannot move.

n. the condition of a sailing vessel when it is headed into the wind and has lost all forward headway.

“The small boat ended up in irons after a sudden change in wind direction.”

“The novice sailor struggled to regain steerage after the yacht was caught in irons during a botched tack.”

Technical