steel
steel Lexical Profile
steel Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Made of, relating to, or consisting of steel.
"The factory produces massive steel beams for commercial construction projects."
Resembling steel in color, strength, or unyielding hardness.
"The general stared down the hostile messenger with cold, steel eyes."
• noun
A hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material.
"The suspension bridge's towering framework is constructed entirely of high-grade structural steel."
Mental or emotional strength, resilience, and firmness of purpose.
"The firefighter showed incredible steel during the dangerous rescue operation."
A specialized implement or tool made of steel, such as a grooved rod for sharpening knives.
"The chef quickly ran the carving knife along the steel before slicing the roast."
• verb
To mentally prepare oneself to do or face something difficult.
"She had to steel herself before delivering the tragic news to the waiting family."
To cover, edge, or point a tool or object with steel.
"The blacksmith decided to steel the edges of the heavy axes to make them more durable for logging."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'steel' (a metal alloy) is frequently confused in spelling with its homophone 'steal' (to take without permission).
• Rhymes for steel
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'stīele', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'staal' and German 'Stahl'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.