Steel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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steel
[stiːl ]
Definitions
metal material
Steel is a strong metal alloy made mainly of iron, with a small amount of carbon. It is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries due to its durability and strength.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Many skyscrapers are built using steel frames.
- Automobiles often have steel components for added safety.
- The bridge was constructed with steel beams to support heavy traffic.
to make hard and resolute
To steel oneself means to mentally prepare oneself for a difficult or challenging situation. It involves becoming strong and determined in the face of adversity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| steel |
Doubling as a noun referring to the strong, durable metal, or metaphorically for giving oneself emotional strength.
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| harden |
Making something physically firmer or emotionally more resilient, can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.
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| toughen |
Increase physical or emotional strength, often with a connotation of facing adversity, sometimes negative connotation when overdone.
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| brace |
Physically or mentally preparing oneself for impact or tension, commonly used in everyday situations or emergency scenarios.
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Examples of usage
- She steeled herself before delivering the difficult news.
- He steeled his resolve to overcome the obstacles in his path.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- The development of steelmaking techniques was vital during the Industrial Revolution, leading to railroads and skyscrapers.
- Ancient cultures like the Romans created early forms of steel which were used in weapons and tools.
- Samurai swords, made from a unique type of steel called Tamahagane, represented a blend of beauty and functionality in Japanese culture.
Science
- Steel is an alloy primarily made of iron, with a small amount of carbon added to enhance its strength.
- Different types of steel, like stainless steel, are created by adding other elements, like chromium, to resist rust.
- The process of heating and cooling steel makes it tougher and shapes it, known as tempering.
Pop Culture
- In movies, 'steel' is often used to symbolize strength and resilience, seen in characters like the 'Steel Man' superhero.
- The term 'steeling one's resolve' refers to preparing mentally for a tough situation, showing how the word has made its way into everyday language.
- The term 'steampunk' dresses Victorian aesthetics using advanced technology, often featuring steel cogs and machinery.
Psychology
- The term 'steel' is often used metaphorically in phrases like 'a heart of steel,' indicating someone with a tough personality.
- Studies suggest that people often equate strength with emotional resilience, drawing parallels with materials like steel.
- Cognitive dissonance occurs when one’s beliefs about strength clash with emotional vulnerability, revealing how we perceive toughness.
Origin of 'steel'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'steel' comes from the Old English ' stylla,' which referred to a 'blade' or 'sword.'
- In Latin, the word 'stālis' means solid, showing how important strength was to its definition.
- The transition from bronze to steel marked a significant point in human history called the Iron Age.
The word 'steel' has its origins in Proto-Germanic 'stahlijanan', meaning 'to make hard or firm'. Steel as a material has been used for centuries, with ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans developing techniques to produce it. The modern method of steel production using the Bessemer process revolutionized the industry in the 19th century, leading to mass production and widespread use in construction and manufacturing.