The word "ironing" is spelled with the letter "r" after "n," causing confusion for many English learners. However, the reason for this spelling is simple to understand using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "r" sound is pronounced phonetically as /r/, which is a voiced alveolar trill, and the "n" sound is pronounced as /n/, which is a voiced alveolar nasal. When these two sounds are combined, the tongue vibrates against the alveolar ridge twice, producing the distinctive "r" sound in "ironing."
Ironing is a domestic task primarily performed on garments and fabrics to remove wrinkles and create a smooth and neat appearance. This process involves the use of an iron, a heated flat metal appliance with a handle, which is passed over the fabric to eliminate any creases or folds.
The practice of ironing is commonly used on a wide range of materials, including cotton, linen, silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics, to enhance their aesthetic appeal and make them more presentable. It is usually undertaken after laundering or drying the apparel or textile item, as this process often results in the formation of wrinkles due to the movement and manipulation of the fabric.
Ironing typically requires the garment or fabric to be placed on an ironing board, a specialized surface designed for this purpose. The iron is then heated to the appropriate temperature, determined by the type of fabric being ironed, and maneuvered in a back-and-forth motion across the surface of the fabric until the wrinkles have been eliminated.
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, ironing also serves a practical purpose. It can help to disinfect and remove any residual microorganisms from the fabric, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene. Moreover, ironing can improve the durability and longevity of fabrics by providing a smooth surface that is less prone to wear and tear.
Overall, ironing is a household chore that involves the use of a heated appliance to eliminate wrinkles and enhance the appearance of garments and textiles.
A smoothing with an iron; a shackling or arming with iron.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ironing" comes from the verb "iron", which originated from Old English "īren" or "īsen". These terms are derived from the Proto-Germanic word "īsarną", which means "iron". Ultimately, the Proto-Germanic word has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root "*īsarnóm", also meaning "iron". The term "ironing" specifically refers to the action of smoothing clothes with an iron, and it has been used in English since the 15th century.