hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ How to pronounce hardening (audio)
ˈhär-dᵊn-iŋ
: sclerosis sense 1
hardening of the arteries

Examples of hardening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chronic inflammation can lead to atherosclerotic disease (hardening or thickening of arteries), which can increase the risk of heart attack, strokes, and cancer. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2023 Putin’s deepening relationship with Xi is evidence of hardening of global fault lines, as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran line up on one side, and the United States and its NATO and Pacific allies on the other. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 16 Oct. 2023 Despite it all, Netanyahu still has his unyielding partisans, said Israeli pollster Dahlia Scheindlin, who foresees a long-term hardening of far-right sentiment that could favor the prime minister. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023 In addition to helping regulate the reproductive system, estrogen influences fine-motor control and memory, enhances the growth and development of neurons, and helps to prevent hardening of the arteries. Cara Ocobock, Scientific American, 19 Oct. 2023 Relations were strained by Beijing’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its growing partnership with Moscow and its military posturing toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea – choices that have sparked alarm and a hardening of attitudes across European capitals towards China. Nectar Gan, CNN, 19 Sep. 2023 But the week’s events, and untold suffering on both sides, risk hardening divisions over how such lessons should be framed. Gabriel San Román, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2023 The joints can be created by forms or cut into the hardening concrete. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2023 For skin, this will appear as a visible thickening or hardening. Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 13 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hardening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardening was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near hardening

Cite this Entry

“Hardening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardening. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

hardening

noun
hard·​en·​ing
: sclerosis
hardening of the arteries

Medical Definition

hardening

noun
hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ, -ᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce hardening (audio)
: sclerosis sense 1
hardening of the arteries
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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