steel

Everyday

1. A very strong, hard metal made mostly from iron mixed with a little carbon, used for bridges, cars, tools, pans and cutlery. tree →
2. As a verb, to steel yourself means to make yourself brave and ready for something hard or scary. tree →

In the lessons

In science, steel is a material made by people from iron; it is strong and stiff, and most steel is magnetic, so a magnet sticks to steel. Stainless steel does not rust easily, which is why it is used for sinks and spoons; ordinary steel rusts when wet. In everyday life we see steel in buildings, bikes, tins and nails. In stories, "nerves of steel" means very brave and calm. Phrases: "stainless steel", "steel drum", "nerves of steel", "steel yourself".

Examples

• The bridge is made of steel and concrete. tree →
• Our kitchen sink is stainless steel. tree →
• A magnet sticks to the steel door of the fridge. tree →
• Steel is made mostly from iron. tree →
• The old steel gate was covered in rust. tree →
• She steeled herself before jumping into the cold pool. tree →
• The band played music on steel drums. tree →
• Knives and forks are often made of steel. tree →

Note

Uncountable as a material: "some steel", not "a steel". Homophone trap: "steel" (metal) and "steal" (take without permission) sound the same. Steel is not an element; it is an alloy (a mix) of iron and carbon. Not all metals are magnetic — steel and iron usually are, but aluminium and copper are not. Stainless steel resists rust, but it is not completely rust-proof.

In Jewish tradition

In Nahum the chariots flash like fire on metal, a picture of an attacking army, and some translators think the word means flashing metal. In the primary lessons: In science, steel is a material made by people from iron; it is strong and stiff, and most steel is magnetic, so a magnet sticks to steel. Stainless steel does not rust easily, which is why it is used for sinks and spoons; ordinary steel rusts when wet. In everyday life we see steel in buildings, bikes, tins and nails. In stories, "nerves of steel" means very brave and calm. Phrases: "stainless steel", "steel drum", "nerves of steel", "steel yourself".

Examples

• The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet; the chariots are fire of steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress spears are made to quiver. (Prophets NAM.2.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable as a material: "some steel", not "a steel". Homophone trap: "steel" (metal) and "steal" (take without permission) sound the same. Steel is not an element; it is an alloy (a mix) of iron and carbon. Not all metals are magnetic — steel and iron usually are, but aluminium and copper are not. Stainless steel resists rust, but it is not completely rust-proof.