Collins English-English Dictionary

steel [stiːl]

1. 1. n 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

2. 2. n (as modifier) - See also stainless steel

   steel girders

3. 3. n something that is made of steel

4. 4. n a steel stiffener in a corset, etc

5. 5. n a ridged steel rod with a handle used for sharpening knives

6. 6. n the quality of hardness, esp with regard to a person's character or attitudes

7. 7. n [stock exchange] the quotation for steel shares - See also steels

8. 8. n [modifier] resembling steel

   steel determination

9. 9. vt. [tr] to fit, plate, edge, or point with steel

10. 10. vt. to make hard and unfeeling

    he steeled his heart against her sorrow

    he steeled himself for the blow

11. 11. vt. [Etymology] Old English steli; related to Old High German stehli, Middle Dutch stael