1. heats and then slowly cools metal or glass to make it less brittle and easier to work with
Usage: technical; metallurgy
2. strengthens or toughens something through a gradual process
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The blacksmith anneals the steel to make it more workable.
• She anneals the glass slowly to prevent cracking.
• The factory anneals copper wire before shaping it.
• Heat treatment anneals the metal’s internal structure.
• Years of hardship anneals a person’s character.
• The process anneals the material over several hours.
• He anneals the blade to reduce its brittleness.