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and·i·ron

(ăndī′ərn)

One of a pair of metal supports used for holding up logs in a fireplace. Also called dog; also called regionally dog iron, firedog.

[Middle English aundiren, alteration (influenced by Middle English iren, iron) of Old French andier, probably from Gaulish *anderos, young bull (andirons often being decorated with ornaments shaped like the heads of animals); akin to Welsh anner, heifer.]

Our Living Language A number of words that formerly were limited to one region of the United States are now used throughout the country. Andiron was once Northern, contrasting with Southern dog iron and firedog. The Southern terms remain limited to that region, but andiron is now everywhere. Other formerly Northern words that have become national include faucet, contrasting with Southern spigot and frying pan, contrasting with Midland and Upper Southern skillet. Southern words that are now used nationwide include feisty and gutters.

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andiron

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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