tempering

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun hardening something by heat treatment
verb bring to a desired consistency, texture, or hardness by a process of gradually heating and cooling
verb harden by reheating and cooling in oil

Glycerine is a good tempering substance, and to this may be added a small amount of sulphate of potash. — Practical Mechanics for Boys, James Slough Zerbe
It was dying, as the fire dies from glowing metal plunged in its tempering bath--or thrown into the cold reaches of space! — Astounding Stories, August, 1931, Various
Up led by thee Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed, An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air, Thy tempering: with like safety guided down Return me to my native element: Lest from this flying steed unreined, (as once Bellerophon, though from a lower clime,) Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall, Erroneous there to wander, and forlorn. — Paradise Lost, John Milton

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