vulcanize

[ vuhl-kuh-nahyz ]
/ ˈvʌl kəˌnaɪz /

verb (used with object), vul·can·ized, vul·can·iz·ing.

to treat (rubber) with sulfur and heat, thereby imparting strength, greater elasticity, durability, etc.
to subject (a substance other than rubber) to some analogous process, as to harden it.
Also especially British, vul·can·ise.

Origin of vulcanize

First recorded in 1820–30; Vulcan + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM vulcanize

Words nearby vulcanize

vulcanian, vulcanism, vulcanite, vulcanizate, vulcanization, vulcanize, vulcanized fiber, vulcanology, vulg., vulgar, vulgar fraction

British Dictionary definitions for self-vulcanizing

vulcanize

vulcanise

/ (ˈvʌlkəˌnaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to treat (rubber) with sulphur or sulphur compounds under heat and pressure to improve elasticity and strength or to produce a hard substance such as vulcanite
to treat (substances other than rubber) by a similar process in order to improve their properties

Derived forms of vulcanize

vulcanizable or vulcanisable, adjective vulcanization or vulcanisation, noun vulcanizer or vulcaniser, noun

Scientific definitions for self-vulcanizing

vulcanize
[ vŭl′kə-nīz′ ]

To harden rubber by combining it with sulfur or other substances in the presence of heat and pressure. Vulcanization gives rubber strength, resistance, and elasticity.