work-harden

[ wurk-hahrd-n ]
/ ˈwɜrkˌhɑrd n /

verb (used with object)

to toughen or strengthen (a metal) by cold-working or another mechanical process.

British Dictionary definitions for work-harden

work-harden

verb

(tr) to increase the strength or hardness of (a metal) by a mechanical process, such as tension, compression, or torsion

Derived forms of work-harden

work-hardening, noun