Anneal
- Pronunciation
- /an-ee-ul/
- Category
- Process
- Singular
- Anneal
- Plural
- Anneals
Definition
To heat and cool a substance, typically metal, to change its properties, such as hardness or ductility. This term is not typically used in the context of entomology or arachnology.
Etymology
From Old English 'onǣlan', meaning 'to set on fire'.
Example
Annealing steel makes it more ductile and less brittle.
Related Terms
- Heat treatment
- Metallurgy