noun

annealing

uh-NEE-ling

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Annealing (noun) means annealing is the process of heating solid metal or glass and then letting it cool slowly so that its internal structure settles and stress is removed. Example: “The blacksmith finished the blade with a round of annealing to stop it cracking.”

noun

Annealing is the process of heating solid metal or glass and then letting it cool slowly so that its internal structure settles and stress is removed.

"The blacksmith finished the blade with a round of annealing to stop it cracking."

"Annealing the glass overnight left it far less brittle."

"Without annealing, the welded joint would have stayed under too much internal stress."

How to use annealing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAnnealing is heating something up and then cooling it down slowly to make it stronger and less stressed inside.

When to use it

It is a technical term used mainly in metalworking, glassmaking and materials science.

Memory tip

Remember that the slow cooling is just as essential as the heating; rushing it defeats the point of annealing.

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Common pairings

annealing process heat treatment and annealing annealed glass annealing temperature

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Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The blacksmith finished the blade with a round of _____ to stop it cracking.

Etymology

Annealing is the noun and gerund form of the verb anneal, describing the act of applying controlled heating and slow cooling to metal or glass.

Origin: English

Rhymes for annealing

healing sealing dealing whaling dialing scaling stealing exhaling inhaling pedaling appealing revealing

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Frequently asked questions

What does annealing do to metal?

It heats the metal and then cools it slowly so its particles settle into an ordered lattice, which removes internal stress.

Is annealing only used on metal?

No, the same slow heating and cooling process is also used on glass to make it less brittle.

Why is slow cooling important in annealing?

Cooling slowly gives the particles time to arrange into a stable, low-stress structure rather than freezing in a strained one.

What is the meaning of annealing?

"annealing" (noun) means annealing is the process of heating solid metal or glass and then letting it cool slowly so that its internal structure settles and stress is removed.