The word Tempering is spelled with the letter "e" in the second syllable, even though it is pronounced as "tem-per-ing". The reason behind this is that the letter "e" acts as a silent letter in this word, which means it doesn't contribute to the pronunciation. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for Tempering is /ˈtɛmpərɪŋ/. It comprises of four syllables with the first syllable having a stress on it. Tempering refers to the process of heating and cooling a material for enhancing its strength and durability.
Tempering is a process commonly used in metallurgy and cooking that involves the controlled heating and cooling of a substance to achieve specific properties or desired outcomes.
In metallurgy, tempering refers to the process of heating a piece of metal, such as steel, to a specific temperature and then cooling it rapidly. This results in a change in the material's internal structure, improving its toughness and reducing brittleness. The goal of tempering is to strike a balance between hardness and flexibility, making the metal durable and less prone to cracking or breaking.
In the culinary world, tempering refers to the gentle mixing of two substances, often involving the gradual addition of one hot ingredient to another, typically liquids. This process is used to effectively combine ingredients of different temperatures without causing undesirable changes, such as curdling or separation. Tempering is commonly employed when incorporating eggs into hot mixtures, such as making custards or sauces, to prevent the eggs from scrambling when exposed to high heat.
Overall, tempering involves carefully manipulating the heat and cooling processes of a substance to achieve desired outcomes. Whether it be enhancing the mechanical properties of metals or achieving the desired texture and consistency in cooking, tempering plays a crucial role in altering the properties and qualities of a material.
• The preparing of steel or iron to render it more compact, hard, and firm, or to render it more soft and pliant.
• Mixing and qualifying; softening; hardening.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tempering" has its roots in the Latin word "temperare", which means "to moderate or mix in due proportion". This Latin word eventually evolved into the Old French term "temprer", which also means "to temper or mix". The English word "tempering" emerged in the late 14th century, retaining the same meaning of "moderating or mixing in due proportion". The term is often used in contexts related to metallurgy, where it refers to the process of heating and cooling metal to achieve desired properties of strength and hardness.