HARDNESS • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Hardness

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/hˈɑrdnəs/ Listen

noun

Hardness n.

The quality or state of being hard, literally or figuratively. "The habit of authority also had given his manners some peremptory hardness."

(Min.) The cohesion of the particles on the surface of a body, determined by its capacity to scratch another, or be itself scratched; measured among minerals on a scale of which diamond and talc form the extremes.

(Chem.) The peculiar quality exhibited by water which has mineral salts dissolved in it. Such water forms an insoluble compound with soap, and is hence unfit for washing purposes. Note: This quality is caused by the presence of calcium carbonate, causing temporary hardness which can be removed by boiling, or by calcium sulphate, causing permanent hardness which can not be so removed, but may be improved by the addition of sodium carbonate.

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Etymology of 'Hardness'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Hardness" Quotes from Famous Books

... time? With this young man?" There was a tinge of hardness and jealousy in the man's voice and he looked unpleasantly at Mr. Middleton. "What did you stay in that empty house all ...

— The Strange Adventures of Mr. Middleton • Wardon Allan Curtis

... right to the best we can give in the way of palatable foods and drinks. The sense of feeling, though less cultivated and not so sensitive as the others, has its rights too, and is offended by too great coarseness, roughness, and hardness. It has a claim on us for a ...

— How To Behave: A Pocket Manual Of Republican Etiquette, And Guide To Correct Personal Habits • Samuel R Wells

... and something else, as yet unrealised, reserved for human souls; and the beautiful, weeping creature, vexed by the wind, suffering, torn to pieces, and rejuvenescent again at last, like a tender shoot of living green out of the hardness and stony darkness [50] of the earth, becomes an emblem or ideal of chastening and purification, and of final victory through suffering. It is the finer, mystical sentiment of the few, detached from the coarser and more material religion of the many, and accompanying ...

— Greek Studies: A Series of Essays • Walter Horatio Pater

... can be seen through or under is not likely to bring, or be accompanied by, so much wind as a dark continued cloud extending beyond the horizon. How the comparative hardness or softness of clouds foretells more or less wind or rain, was stated in pages ...

— Barometer and Weather Guide • Robert Fitzroy

... about sins and hardness of heart? Have you taken leave of your senses? What sins can you have committed, you who are ...

— Pepita Ximenez • Juan Valera

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