hardening

(noun) abnormal hardening or thickening of tissue.

(noun) the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization. Synonyms: solidifying, solidification, set, curing. Examples: "The hardening of concrete." "He tested the set of the glue."

(noun) the act of making something harder (firmer or tighter or more compact).

(verb) become hard or harder. Synonyms: harden, indurate. Examples: "The wax hardened."

(verb) make hard or harder. Synonyms: harden, indurate. Examples: "The cold hardened the butter."

(verb) harden by reheating and cooling in oil. Synonyms: temper, harden. Examples: "Temper steel."

(verb) make fit. Synonyms: season, harden. Examples: "This trip will season even the hardiest traveller."

(verb) cause to accept or become hardened to; habituate. Synonyms: inure, harden, indurate. Examples: "He was inured to the cold."