Anneal (Verb)
Meaning
Bring to a desired consistency, texture, or hardness by a process of gradually heating and cooling; "temper glass".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The blacksmith carefully anneals the metal to make it more pliable for shaping into tools.
- To make glass strong and durable, manufacturers anneal it in a special oven to relieve stresses.
- Jewelers must anneal gemstones like opals to bring out their vibrant colors and increase their durability.
- By gradually heating and cooling, the artist was able to anneal the metal, making it soft and moldable for her sculpture.
- The manufacturer's process involves annealing the glass tubes, allowing them to be more easily bent into the desired shape.