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anneal
This term is primarily a technical descriptor used in metallurgy, glassmaking, and semiconductor physics. It describes a specific thermal process designed to relieve internal tension and increase ductility, preventing the material from shattering or cracking under stress.
In a professional or industrial context, the word carries a connotation of precision and controlled cooling. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless referring to specialized craftsmanship or high-tech manufacturing, as it describes a very specific physical transformation of a material's crystalline or molecular structure.
Meanings
To heat a material, such as glass or metal, and allow it to cool slowly in order to remove internal stresses and make it less brittle.
The glassblower must anneal the vase to prevent it from cracking as it cools.