Metallurgical Processes Glossary

verb to decompose a compound by passing an electric current through it

• The scientists used a special machine to electrolyze the water and separate the hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
• I heard you can electrolyze water to make your own hydrogen fuel at home.
• Dude, let's try electrolyzing some water and see what happens!
• She felt like her emotions were being electrolyzed, separating the positive from the negative.

verb to make or become hard or harder

adjective having become solid or firm; toughened

adverb in a hardened manner

• The metal was hardened through a process of heating and cooling.
• His heart had hardened after years of disappointment.
• She's a hardened criminal, watch out for her.
• His resolve was hardened by the challenges he faced.

noun the act or process of leaching

verb to dissolve out soluble constituents from (ashes, soil, etc.) by percolation

• The chemical process of leaching involves extracting substances from a solid by dissolving them in a liquid.
• I heard that the rain can leach nutrients from the soil, affecting plant growth.
• Don't worry about that spill, I'll just leach it with some water and it'll come right out.
• The constant negative comments from her peers seemed to leach away her confidence over time.

noun the process or result of oxidizing, or being oxidized.

adjective relating to or undergoing oxidation.

• Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons.
• Leaving metal outside can cause oxidation, making it rust.
• Dude, that old car is gonna get some serious oxidation if you don't take care of it.
• The oxidation of trust in their relationship led to its eventual breakdown.