gray iron

noun

1. pig iron or cast iron having much of its carbon in the form of graphite and exhibiting a gray fracture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gray iron¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

To enter 732 S. Vermont Ave., you must carefully shove open a rusted gray iron gate until a gap large enough for you to slide through sideways appears.

From Los Angeles Times

The 15-year-old boy, whose name was not released due to his age, fell through an unsupported section of the roof of a gray iron factory in Cullman, Ala., around 11 a.m.

From Fox News

Above the dark gray iron, stone walls formed the North Tower.

From Literature

This batch of 2,500-degree “class 30 gray” iron was fresh from the electric crucible, a mini-volcano in the foundry here where metal is liquefied.

From Washington Post

Gray iron valve seats are cast into the cylinders.

From Project Gutenberg