endurecida

Endurecida is the feminine form of the past participle of the verb endurecer in Spanish and Portuguese, and it functions as an adjective meaning hardened, set, or stiffened. It is used to describe objects, substances, and states that have become tougher through processes such as drying, heating, curing, or aging.

Etymology: The term derives from endurecer, which in turn comes from Latin indurere. The feminine form is created by adding the typical -ida ending to the masculine participle, yielding endurecido (masc.) and endurecida (fem.) in Spanish, and endurecido/ endurecida in Portuguese.

Usage: In Spanish, endurecida is used with ser, estar, or quedar: La madera quedó endurecida tras el secado; La piel se ha vuelto endurecida por la exposición. In Portuguese, similar constructions occur: A madeira ficou endurecida após a secagem; a pele endurecida pela exposição ao frio.

Contexts: In science and everyday description, endurecida can refer to fired clay, bricks that have hardened, or metals that have been heat-treated to increase hardness (endurecido). It also describes non-physical hardening, such as an emotionally hardened person. In literature, endurecida may convey a character’s resilience or lack of softness due to life experiences.

See also: endurecimiento, endurecedor, endurecer.