1. plural of hardening; the process or result of becoming hard or harder
Usage: usually used in technical, medical, or industrial contexts
2. instances or stages of becoming emotionally tougher or less sensitive
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The hardenings of the steel were achieved through repeated heating and cooling cycles.
• Repeated exposure to criticism led to hardenings of her emotional defenses.
• The hardenings of the concrete took several days to complete.
• Medical hardenings of the arteries can increase the risk of heart disease.
• The artist observed the gradual hardenings of the clay as it dried.
• Industrial hardenings of metals require precise temperature control.