caseharden

American

[keys-hahr-dn] / ˈkeɪsˌhɑr dn /

verb (used with object)

Metallurgy. to make the outside surface of (an alloy having an iron base) hard by carburizing and heat treatment, leaving the interior tough and ductile.
to harden in spirit so as to render insensible or insensitive to external impressions or influences; make callous.

Etymology

Origin of caseharden

First recorded in 1670–80; case ² + harden

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I have a peculiar kind of steel which I cannot harden by fire and water, neither will it caseharden by prussiate of potash.

From Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.?No. 24. [New Series.], December 14, 1878 A Weekly Journal Of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, And Manufactures by Various

The same salt may be used to caseharden wrought iron.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 430, March 29, 1884 by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023