Main Entry: Bri·nell hardness

Pronunciation: \brə-ˌnel-\

Function: noun

: the hardness of a metal or alloy measured by hydraulically pressing a hard ball under a standard load into the specimen

Brinell, Johan August (1849–1925), Swedish engineer. After studying the internal composition of steel during cooling and heating, Brinell devised his hardness test, which was first displayed in 1900 at the Paris Exposition.