mass noun
1- a hard, strong grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material钢, 钢铁。
1.1
- used as a symbol or embodiment of strength and firmness（钢铁般的）坚强, 坚定：
nerves of steel
钢铁般的胆量
as modifier a steel will.坚强的意志。
1.2
- count noun a rod of roughened steel on which knives are sharpened磨刀钢棒。
with obj.
- mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult使坚强地做（或面对）：
his team were steeling themselves for disappointment
他的队员们正在磨炼自己面对失望的局面
with infinitive she steeled herself to remain calm.她坚强地使自己保持冷静。
词源
Old English stȳle, stēli, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch staal, German Stahl, also to STAY2. The verb dates from the late 16th cent.