steel

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steel / stēl/ • n. a hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material. ∎  used as a symbol or embodiment of strength and firmness: nerves of steel | [as adj.] a steel will. ∎  a rod of roughened steel on which knives are sharpened.• v. [tr.] mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult: I speak quickly, steeling myself for a mean reply.

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