Said of a compact rock or soil hardened by the action of pressure, cementation, and especially, heat.

Rock or soil hardened or consolidated by pressure, cementation , or heat

Hardened soil particles (see Cemented).

Characterized by being hard; an abnormally hard portion of a tissue with respect to the surrounding similar tissue; often used to describe the feel of locally invasive malignant tissue on palpation. An excessive hardening or firmness of any body site. One of the signs of inflammation.