What is an "iron"?

An iron is an electric or traditional household appliance that is used to remove wrinkles from fabric and clothes by pressing it flat with a hot metal plate. The metal plate, which is also called a soleplate, heats up when the iron is plugged in and is typically made of ceramic, stainless steel, or Teflon-coated aluminum. Ironing is typically done on an ironing board, and the heat from the iron causes the fibers in the fabric to relax and become smoother, allowing the wrinkles to be pressed out. Many modern irons also come with various features, such as steam settings and temperature controls, which can be adjusted to better suit different types of fabrics.