Anneals is a verb that means to heat and cool a metal or glass to make it harder or more malleable. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /əˈniːlz/, which indicates that it is pronounced with a short neutral vowel sound followed by a long "ee" sound, and the letter "s" is pronounced like a "z" sound. The word is derived from the Middle English word anelen, which means to temper or refine. Annealing is a common process in metallurgy and glassmaking.
Anneal is a verb that has multiple definitions and applications in various fields.
In metallurgy, anneal refers to the process of heating and subsequently cooling a material, usually metals or glass, in order to reduce its hardness and increase its ductility. By subjecting the material to controlled temperature changes, the molecular structure is rearranged, resulting in a more refined and uniform product.
In a broader sense, anneal can also describe the act of strengthening or rejuvenating something, typically through a process of heat and subsequent cooling. This concept can be applied to non-material things, such as relationships or character, suggesting that through testing or difficulties, individuals or bonds can be tempered and ultimately fortified.
Additionally, in the context of DNA, anneal refers to the process of pairing complementary DNA strands together. It is a crucial step in DNA amplification techniques, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), enabling the creation of multiple copies of a specific DNA segment for analysis.
Furthermore, in a more creative disposition, anneal can be used metaphorically to describe an act of embodying or becoming more connected with one's true self. This philosophical concept suggests a process of finding inner balance, strength, and authenticity by removing external influences and distractions.
Overall, anneal carries different meanings depending on the field of study or context it is being used in, emphasizing processes of refinement, strengthening, pairing, or self-discovery.
The word "anneals" is derived from the Old English word "onǣlan", which was a combination of the prefix "on", meaning "on" or "upon", and "ǣlan", meaning "to heat or burn". This Old English term evolved from the Proto-Germanic root "*ailijaną", with a similar meaning of "burn" or "heat". Over time, the word underwent various changes and eventually took on the modern form "anneals".