hardness

hard·ness

noun \-nəs\

Definition of HARDNESS

1

: the quality or state of being hard

2

a : the cohesion of the particles on the surface of a mineral as determined by its capacity to scratch another or be itself scratched — compare mohs' scale

b : resistance of metal to indentation under a static load or to scratching

Examples of HARDNESS

1. the hardness of a diamond
2. The wood's hardness makes it suitable for carving.

First Known Use of HARDNESS

before 12th century

Related to HARDNESS

Synonyms

adversity, asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor

Antonyms

flexibility, gentleness, laxness, mildness

Related Words

discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance; affliction, trial, tribulation; knock, misfortune, mishap, tragedy; bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, handicap, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, pons asinorum, rub, shackle, snag, stop, trammel; block, chain, deterrent, encumbrance, fetter, inhibition; hump

Near Antonyms

advantage, break, opportunity

hardness

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Resistance of a mineral to scratching, described relative to a standard scale of 10 minerals known as the Mohs hardness scale. Hardness is an important diagnostic property in mineral identification. There is a general link between hardness and chemical composition (via crystal structure); thus, most hydrous minerals, halides, carbonates, sulfates, and phosphates are relatively soft; most sulfides are relatively soft (two exceptions being marcasite and pyrite); and most anhydrous oxides and silicates are hard. See also hardening.