अयस्
áyas/ɐ́.jɐs/
In Sanskrit, 'iron' (the verb meaning to pass an iron over clothing) is expressed as अयस् (áyas).
Meaning: to pass an iron over clothing (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced áyas (/ɐ́.jɐs/). It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In some traditional contexts, the concept of 'iron' in Sanskrit is linked to the planet Mars, the 'iron planet', which is believed to influence strength and conflict.
- The Sanskrit word अयस् is a distant relative of the English word 'ore'.
- The word अयस् originally meant any kind of metal, not just iron. Over time, it became specifically associated with iron as the most common metal used in tools.
Examples in context
- इह लौहकस्य प्रयोगः अवश्यं आवश्यकः।The use of iron here is necessary.
Example conversation
Aditya and Kavya are looking at an old sword.
- आदित्य Adityaकाव्ये, एषः खड्गः केन निर्मितः?Kāvye, eṣaḥ khaḍgaḥ kena nirmitaḥ?Kavya, what is this sword made of?
- काव्या Kavyaएषः अयसा निर्मितः।eṣaḥ ayasā nirmitaḥ.It is made of iron.
- आदित्य Adityaकिम् अयः दृढम् अस्ति?kim ayaḥ dṛḍham asti?Is iron strong?
- काव्या Kavyaआम्, अयः अतीव दृढम् अस्ति।ām, ayaḥ atīva dṛḍham asti.Yes, iron is very strong.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry अयस्, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अयस्, CC BY-SA 4.0.
