case-harden

verb

case-hard·​en ˈkās-ˌhär-dᵊn How to pronounce case-harden (audio)
case-hardened; case-hardening; case-hardens

transitive verb

1
: to harden (a ferrous alloy) so that the surface layer is harder than the interior
2
: to make callous or insensible
case-hardened adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of case-harden was in 1677

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Dictionary Entries Near case-harden

Cite this Entry

“Case-harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/case-harden. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

case-harden

verb
case-hard·​en
ˈkās-ˌhärd-ᵊn
: to harden (an iron alloy) so that the surface layer is harder than the interior
case-hardened adjective

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