Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hardness
Hard′ness
,Noun.
[AS.
heardness
.] 1.
The quality or state of being hard, literally or figuratively.
The habit of authority also had given his manners some peremptory
hardness
. Sir W. Scott.
2.
(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.
3.
(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.
☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Hardness
H`ARDNESS
,Noun.
1.
Difficulty to be understood.2.
Difficulty to be executed or accomplished; as the hardness of an enterprise.3.
Scarcity; penury; difficulty of obtaining money; as the hardness of the times.4.
Obduracy; impenitence; confirmed state of wickedness; as hardness of heart.5.
Coarseness of features; harshness of look; as hardness of favor.6.
Severity of cold; rigor; as the hardness of winter.7.
Cruelty of temper; savageness; harshness. The blame
May hang upon your hardness.
8.
Stiffness; harshness; roughness; as the hardnesses of sculpture.9.
Closeness; niggardliness; stinginess. 10. Hardship; severe labor, trials or sufferings.
Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim.2.
Definition 2024
hardness
hardness
English
Noun
hardness (plural hardnesses)
Translations
quality of being hard
See also
References
- hardness in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913