STIFFENING Meaning and
Definition
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Stiffening is a noun that refers to the process of becoming rigid or firm, usually in relation to a material or a structure. It involves the act or state of making a substance or an object less malleable, flexible, or pliable, resulting in increased resistance to deformation or bending. This can be achieved through various means such as physical forces, external pressures, or the addition of strengthening agents or materials.
In the context of materials, stiffening often involves reinforcing a substance to enhance its strength and rigidity. This can be done by adding elements like fibers, additives, or binding agents to increase the overall structural integrity. For example, in construction, steel rods or beams are used to stiffen concrete structures, making them more robust and resistant to bending or collapsing.
Stiffening can also apply to body movements or postures, where it refers to the act of making oneself or a part of the body more rigid or tense. This can be consciously done for reasons such as maintaining balance, preparing for physical exertion or protection, or as a reflex response to stimuli. For instance, when faced with a challenging situation, individuals may experience a stiffening of muscles as part of the body's natural fight or flight response.
Overall, stiffening encompasses the process of rendering a material or a body more rigid, inflexible, or resistant to deformation, either to enhance strength and stability or in response to external stimuli.
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• Becoming or growing stiff.
• Something used to make a substance more stiff.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STIFFENING
Etymology of STIFFENING
The word "stiffening" is derived from the verb "stiffen", which in turn comes from the adjective "stiff".
The adjective "stiff" originated in Old English as "stīf", meaning "firm, inflexible, rigid". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stiffaz", which carried a similar meaning.
The verb "stiffen" came into use in the 17th century. It is formed by adding the suffix "-en" to "stiff", indicating the process or action of becoming stiff. The "-en" suffix is derived from Old English "-ian", which indicated the verbalization of adjectives.
Over time, the word "stiffening" evolved as the present participle form of the verb "stiffen", used to describe the act or process of becoming stiff or rigid.
Similar spelling words for STIFFENING
- stiffened,
- Stefania,
- stiffener,
- Stefanie,
- stiffen,
- stefanik,
- Stefani,
- stuffing nut,
- steffens,
- stuffing box,
- steffensen,
- Steffenson,
- Steffanie,
- stuffing,
- Stephenie,
- Steffenhagen,
- Stefaniak,
- Steffen.
Conjugate verb Stiffening
CONDITIONAL
I
would stiffen
we
would stiffen
you
would stiffen
he/she/it
would stiffen
they
would stiffen
FUTURE
I
will stiffen
we
will stiffen
you
will stiffen
he/she/it
will stiffen
they
will stiffen
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have stiffened
we
will have stiffened
you
will have stiffened
he/she/it
will have stiffened
they
will have stiffened
PAST
I
stiffened
we
stiffened
you
stiffened
he/she/it
stiffened
they
stiffened
PAST PERFECT
I
had stiffened
we
had stiffened
you
had stiffened
he/she/it
had stiffened
they
had stiffened
PRESENT
I
stiffen
we
stiffen
you
stiffen
he/she/it
stiffens
they
stiffen
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have stiffened
we
have stiffened
you
have stiffened
he/she/it
has stiffened
they
have stiffened
I
am stiffening
we
are stiffening
you
are stiffening
he/she/it
is stiffening
they
are stiffening
I
was stiffening
we
were stiffening
you
were stiffening
he/she/it
was stiffening
they
were stiffening
I
will be stiffening
we
will be stiffening
you
will be stiffening
he/she/it
will be stiffening
they
will be stiffening
I
have been stiffening
we
have been stiffening
you
have been stiffening
he/she/it
has been stiffening
they
have been stiffening
I
had been stiffening
we
had been stiffening
you
had been stiffening
he/she/it
had been stiffening
they
had been stiffening
I
will have been stiffening
we
will have been stiffening
you
will have been stiffening
he/she/it
will have been stiffening
they
will have been stiffening
I
would have stiffened
we
would have stiffened
you
would have stiffened
he/she/it
would have stiffened
they
would have stiffened
I
would be stiffening
we
would be stiffening
you
would be stiffening
he/she/it
would be stiffening
they
would be stiffening
I
would have been stiffening
we
would have been stiffening
you
would have been stiffening
he/she/it
would have been stiffening
they
would have been stiffening
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