n.
- a hard, strong grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material.
- a rod of roughened steel on which knives are sharpened.
- strength and determination:
nerves of steel.
v.
mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult.
Etymology
OE stȳle, stēli, of Gmc origin.