hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ How to pronounce hardening (audio)
ˈhär-dᵊn-iŋ
: sclerosis sense 1
hardening of the arteries

Examples of hardening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The result was an embarrassing scandal for the Reagan administration and a further hardening of Iran’s revolutionary regime. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024 Increasing research evidence suggests that ultrafine particles can affect heart function, causing hardening of arteries, lung inflammation, and systemic inflammation. Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 Underneath the recent hardening of Chinese views on the United States lies a deeper, older source of antagonism. Wang Jisi, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2021 Physical hardening provided by the DVRA analysis may include façade reinforcement, concealment of critical assets and ballistic film on windows to name a few. Bill Edwards, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hardening 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardening was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near hardening

Cite this Entry

“Hardening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardening. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hardening

noun
hard·​en·​ing
: sclerosis
hardening of the arteries

Medical Definition

hardening

noun
hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ, -ᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce hardening (audio)
: sclerosis sense 1
hardening of the arteries
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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