Steel: meaning, definitions and examples

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steel

 

[ stiːl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000 Materials
Context #1 | Noun

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

alloy, iron, metal

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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

brace, harden, toughen

Examples of usage

  • She steeled herself before delivering the difficult news.
  • He steeled his resolve to overcome the obstacles in his path.

Translations

Translations of the word "steel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aço

🇮🇳 इस्पात

🇩🇪 Stahl

🇮🇩 baja

🇺🇦 сталь

🇵🇱 stal

🇯🇵 鋼鉄 (こうてつ)

🇫🇷 acier

🇪🇸 acero

🇹🇷 çelik

🇰🇷 강철 (강철)

🇸🇦 فولاذ

🇨🇿 ocel

🇸🇰 oceľ

🇨🇳 钢 (gāng)

🇸🇮 jeklo

🇮🇸 stál

🇰🇿 болат

🇬🇪 ფოლადი

🇦🇿 polad

🇲🇽 acero

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,074, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.