Anneals are a term that is commonly used in the field of metallurgy and material science. It refers to a process of heating and cooling a metal or glass to increase its ductility and reduce its hardness. Annealing is an important process that is used to improve the properties of materials and make them more suitable for various applications. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anneals in detail.
Definitions
The term anneals refers to the process of heating a metal or glass to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly to improve its properties. The process is used to make the material more ductile, reduce its hardness, and improve its ability to withstand stress and strain. Annealing is a critical process that is used to improve the properties of materials and make them more suitable for various applications.
Origin
The term anneals has its roots in the Latin word “annus” which means year. The word was first used in the English language in the 14th century and referred to the process of heating and cooling metals to make them more malleable. Over time, the process of annealing has evolved and is now used in a wide range of applications in the field of metallurgy and material science.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, anneals are defined as “the process of heating and cooling a metal or glass to improve its properties.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines anneals as “to heat and then cool (a material, such as steel or glass) usually for softening and making less brittle.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines anneals as “to heat a metal or glass and then cool it slowly, in order to make it stronger or more flexible.”
Associations
The process of annealing is associated with a wide range of applications in the field of metallurgy and material science. It is used to improve the properties of metals and glass, making them more suitable for various applications. Annealing is also used in the manufacturing of electronic components, where it is used to relieve stress and improve the performance of the components.
Synonyms
The synonyms of anneals include tempering, heat treating, quenching, and normalization. These terms are all related to the process of heating and cooling metals to improve their properties.
Antonyms
The antonyms of anneals include hardening, embrittlement, and weakening. These terms are all related to the opposite of annealing, which is the process of making a material harder, more brittle, or weaker.
The same root words
The same root words as anneals include annular, annual, and annuity. These words all have their roots in the Latin word “annus” which means year.
Example Sentences
- The steel was annealed to improve its ductility and reduce its hardness.
- The glass was annealed to make it more resistant to thermal shock.
- The electronic components were annealed to relieve stress and improve their performance.
- The metal was heat-treated and annealed to improve its strength and toughness.
- The annealing process improved the properties of the material, making it more suitable for its intended application.