Definition

The process of heating and then slowly cooling metal or glass to make it stronger and improve its structure.

Example

The blacksmith used annealing to strengthen the metal before shaping it.

Conversation

I was reading about annealing and how it helps improve metal strength.

That's interesting! How does it actually work?

They heat the metal to a high temperature and then cool it slowly to change its structure.

Wow, I didn't know that! It sounds really important for metalworking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To heat and then cool a material, usually metal or glass, to remove internal stresses and improve its properties.

Example

The blacksmith is annealing the metal to make it more workable.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried annealing your metal projects?

No, I haven't! What does it do?

It helps to relieve stress in the metal, making it easier to work with.

Root Explanation

Annealing is derived from the verb 'anneal', which comes from the Old English 'onǣlan' (meaning to set on fire or to heat). The prefix 'an-' (meaning on) and 'ǣlan' (meaning to burn or heat) combine to describe the process of heating and then cooling a material, typically metal or glass, to remove stresses and improve its properties.

Memory Tip

Think of 'heating something up' ('an-' means on and 'ǣlan' means to burn) to make it stronger or more workable, which is what annealing does.

Visually Confused Words