anneal Definition
- 1heat (metal or glass) and allow it to cool slowly, in order to remove internal stresses and toughen it
- 2harden (glass) by reheating and then cooling it slowly
- 3strengthen or toughen (someone or something)
Using anneal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anneal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The metal was annealed to make it stronger.
Example
The glass was annealed to prevent it from breaking easily.
Example
The experience had annealed her character.
anneal Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with anneal
the temperature at which a material will no longer return to its original shape after being deformed
Example
The annealing point of glass is around 560°C.
Example
The factory has an annealing furnace for treating metal parts.
the process of heating and cooling a material to remove internal stresses and improve its properties
Example
The annealing process takes several hours to complete.
Origins of anneal
from Old English 'onælan', meaning 'set fire to'
Summary: anneal in Brief
To 'anneal' [əˈniːl] means to heat metal or glass and allow it to cool slowly to remove internal stresses and toughen it. It can also refer to hardening glass by reheating and cooling it slowly or strengthening someone or something. Phrases like 'annealing point' and 'annealing furnace' denote specific aspects of the annealing process.
