flatiron meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

flatiron

noun

Etymology From flat + iron.

A simple iron (for pressing laundry) which is heated on a stove.

The evil-smelling larrikin, beer-imbued — The evil-loving brute-man homeward goes, He kicks his dirty children with his boot, Cursing their hunger, — and his poor worn wife With cold flat-irons and handled broom awaits His coming, to revile his drinking hard.1881 December 3, Sydney Punch, page 8, column 2:

A pair of metal tongs with heated ceramic plates used for straightening hair.

Especially a quadrilateral with two parallel sides, one of which is very short, and whose non-parallel sides are longer than either parallel side.

Referring to the shape of a building

Geography, Geology, Geomorphology, Natural sciences A steeply sloping triangular landform created by the differential erosion of a steeply dipping, erosion-resistant layer of rock overlying softer strata.

Abbreviation, Ellipsis Ellipsis of flat iron steak.

Synonyms: straightener

flatiron

adj

Etymology From flat + iron.

Having a flatiron shape.

a flatiron building
The street down which Warwick had come intersected Front Street at a sharp angle in front of the old hotel, forming a sort of flatiron block at the junction, known as Liberty Point1900, Charles W. Chesnutt, chapter I, in The House Behind the Cedars:

Derived terms: flatiron steak