That which hardens, as a material used for converting the surface of iron into steel.

Process that increases the hardness of steel, i.e., the degree to which steel will resist cutting, abrasion, penetration, bending, and stretching, The increased endurance provided by hardening makes steel suitable for additional applications. Hardening can be achieved through various methods, which include: (1) heat treatment, where the properties of steel are altered by subjecting the steel to a series of temperature changes; and (2) cold working, in which changes in the structure and shape of steel are achieved through rolling, hammering, or stretching the steel at a relatively low temperature.

the process of taking a soft die, roll, or plate and making it metallurgically hard. In the process of producing engraved stamps, the design can only be worked into soft steel, but is generally only transferred from hard steel. The hardening process can be reversed. That is, a hardened die, roll or plate can be made metallurgically soft again.

See also: Colour Temperatures.

The process of gradually acclimatizing greenhouse or indoor grown plants to outdoor growing conditions.

Gradual exposure of greenhouse plants to colder temperatures, drier conditions, reduced light, or reduced fertility in preparation for transplanting outdoors.

(1) Describes a price which is gradually stabilizing; (2) a term indicating a slowly advancing market.

1. A term used to describe a price of commodity or futures contracts that is gradually stabilizing. 2. A futures market that is slowly advancing in prices.

A defense strategy to protect against attacks by removing vulnerable and unnecessary services, patching security holes, and securing access controls.

The process of identifying and fixing vulnerabilities on a given system to make it more difficult to exploit.

The modification of the default configuration of the operating system to remove security vulnerabilities that are inherent in the host.

Enhancements to make a object or material more difficult to penetrate. The process of identifying and fixing vulnerabilities on a building, system, or other infrastructure. See Infrastructure.

The process of securing a computer's administrative functions or inactivating those features not needed for the computer's intended business purpose.

The process of strengthening the shell and adductor muscle of oysters to improve shell-life. [B.C. Shellfish industry

A process in the pressed felt industry and in hat manufacture in which a mass of loose fibres, after being roughly shaped by carding and forming, is subjected to a high-speed vibratory motion in the presence of steam while under considerable mechanical pressure.