pig iron

/pɪg ˌaɪərn/

Other forms: pig irons

Definitions of pig iron

1. noun

   crude iron tapped from a blast furnace
   types:

   basic iron

   pig iron containing a high percentage of phosphorus; used in making steel by a process that removes the phosphorus

   cinder pig

   pig iron containing a substantial proportion of slag

   mine pig

   pig iron made entirely from ore

   spiegel, spiegel iron, spiegeleisen

   pig iron containing manganese; used as a deoxidizing agent and to raise the manganese content in making steel

   type of:

   Fe, atomic number 26, iron

   a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood