Metallurgy Terminology

noun a hardened outer layer or surface

adjective hardened by exposure to a process that makes it resistant to damage

• The metal was case hardened to increase its durability.
• I heard they case hardened the new tools for better performance.
• The mechanic said he would case harden the car parts to make them last longer.
• His experiences in life had case hardened him, making him tough and resilient.

noun a metallic chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29

adjective relating to or made of copper

• Copper is a highly conductive metal commonly used in electrical wiring.
• I found a cool copper necklace at the flea market.
• That guy is a real copper, always looking out for troublemakers.
• His words were like copper, sharp and cutting through the silence.

noun A container in which metals or other substances are subjected to high temperatures for melting or other purposes

• The crucible is a vessel used for heating substances to high temperatures.
• I accidentally dropped the crucible in chemistry class today.
• Let's ditch this boring lecture and go hang out by the crucible.
• The intense competition in the tech industry is like a crucible, testing the strength of companies.

noun waste or impurity; something of low quality or value

• The dross from the metal smelting process is carefully removed to ensure a high-quality end product.
• I can't believe you're keeping all this dross in your garage, it's such a mess!
• I'm tired of dealing with all this dross, let's just throw it out and start fresh.
• She sifted through the dross of bad relationships before finding her true love.

noun a blacksmith's workshop; a place where metal is heated and hammered into shape

verb to create or form something, especially through skill and effort; to make or produce something falsely with the intention to deceive

• The blacksmith used a hammer and anvil to forge the metal into a sword.
• I'm going to try to forge a signature on my report card.
• Let's forge some fake IDs so we can get into the club.
• Through hard work and determination, she was able to forge a successful career for herself.

noun a mass of metal, typically a bar or block, that is cast in a convenient shape for storage or transportation

• The blacksmith used a mold to shape the molten metal into an ingot.
• I found a shiny ingot while exploring the old mine.
• That new car is an absolute ingot!
• Her kindness was like a precious ingot, rare and valuable.

noun a small freshwater fish

verb to extract metal from its ore by a process involving heating and melting

• The perfumer carefully smelt each essential oil before blending them together.
• I smelt something burning in the kitchen and realized I left the oven on.
• He smelt like he hadn't showered in days.
• The detective smelt trouble when he noticed the suspicious behavior of the suspect.

noun a type of steel that is resistant to corrosion

adjective describing a material or surface that does not stain or rust

• The stainless steel appliances in the kitchen added a touch of elegance to the room.
• I love how easy it is to clean my stainless water bottle.
• That stainless watch is so shiny, I need to get one for myself.
• Her resolve was as strong and unyielding as stainless steel.

noun a thin layer of corrosion on a metal surface

verb to dull or damage the surface of something

• The silverware had begun to tarnish due to exposure to moisture.
• I need to clean my jewelry before it starts to tarnish.
• Don't let negative comments tarnish your self-esteem.
• The scandal threatened to tarnish the politician's reputation.

verb to moderate or control, typically by adding a counterbalancing influence

• The metal was carefully tempered to achieve the desired strength and flexibility.
• I always make sure to temper my expectations before going into a new situation.
• She really tempered her response to avoid causing any drama.
• His emotions were like a tightly tempered steel blade, ready to cut through any obstacle in his way.

noun the process of reheating and then cooling metal or glass to make it stronger

verb to strengthen or harden by heating and then cooling

• The process of tempering steel involves heating and cooling it to achieve the desired strength and flexibility.
• My grandma always says that tempering chocolate is the key to making the perfect dessert.
• I'm still working on tempering my reaction when someone cuts me off in traffic.
• Sometimes life throws challenges at us as a way of tempering our character and resilience.

noun a black siliceous stone related to flint, formerly used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak left on the stone when rubbed by the metal

• The scientific method is often considered the touchstone of modern research.
• For many music lovers, vinyl records are the touchstone of quality sound.
• In skateboarding culture, landing a kickflip is the touchstone of skill.
• Honesty is the touchstone of a strong relationship.

verb to heat and then cool (metal or glass) so as to toughen it or reduce its brittleness

• The metal components were annealed to improve their strength and durability.
• I heard they annealed the glass to make it stronger.
• They're annealing the metal to make it tougher.
• Sometimes challenges can anneal us, making us stronger in the end.

noun a type of metal that is strong and resistant to corrosion, commonly used in construction and manufacturing

• The building's structure is made of reinforced acier beams.
• I prefer using acier cookware for its durability.
• That acier necklace is so cool, where did you get it?
• His resolve was as strong as acier, never wavering in the face of adversity.

adjective a term used to describe a specific type of material or substance

• The high-quality blades were made from acmonital, a type of stainless steel.
• I heard that the new chef's knives are made with acmonital, they must be really sharp.
• I can't believe how expensive those acmonital knives are, they're like gold!
• Her words cut through the tension in the room like a blade made of acmonital.

adjective relating to or resembling bronze

• The aeneous sheen of the statue was a result of the bronze material used in its construction.
• I love the aeneous color of your new car, it looks so shiny!
• Check out that aeneous bling on his wrist, it's so flashy!
• Her voice had an aeneous quality to it, smooth and polished like metal.