Let us therefore learn not to be irksome when God layeth his cross
upon us.
Latimer.
Syn. -- Wearisome; tedious; tiresome; vexatious; burdensome. --
Irksome, Wearisome, Tedious. These epithets describe things which give
pain or disgust. Irksome is applied to something which disgusts by its
nature or quality; as, an irksome task. Wearisome denotes that which
wearies or wears us out by severe labor; as, wearisome employment.
Tedious is applied to something which tires us out by the length of
time occupied in its performance; as, a tedious speech.
Wearisome nights are appointed to me.
Job vii. 3.
Pity only on fresh objects stays, But with the tedious sight of
woes decays.
Dryden.
-- Irk"some*ly, adv. -- Irk"some*ness, n.
I"ron ("rn), n. [OE. iren, AS. ren, sen, sern; akin to D. ijzer, OS.
sarn, OHG. sarn, san, G. eisen, Icel. sarn, jrn, Sw. & Dan. jern, and
perh. to E. ice; cf. Ir. iarann, W. haiarn, Armor. houarn.]
1. (Chem.) The most common and most useful metallic element, being of
almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as
hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite,
etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms;
viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark
brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh
surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by
moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin
Ferrum). Atomic weight 55.9. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast
iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other
substances.
The value of iron is largely due to the facility with which it can be
worked. Thus, when heated it is malleable and ductile, and can be
easily welded and forged at a high temperature. As cast iron, it is
easily fusible; as steel, is very tough, and (when tempered) very hard
and elastic. Chemically, iron is grouped with cobalt and nickel. Steel
is a variety of iron containing more carbon than wrought iron, but less
that cast iron. It is made either from wrought iron, by roasting in a
packing of carbon (cementation) or from cast iron, by burning off the
impurities in a Bessemer converter (then called Bessemer steel), or
directly from the iron ore (as in the Siemens rotatory and generating
furnace).
2. An instrument or utensil made of iron; -- chiefly in composition;
as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
My young soldier, put up your iron.
Shak.