kõvastumine

Kõvastumine is an Estonian term that translates to hardening or solidification. In a physical sense, it refers to the process by which a material transitions from a softer, more pliable state to a harder, more rigid one. This can occur through various mechanisms depending on the material and the specific context. For instance, in metallurgy, hardening can be achieved through processes like heat treatment, where heating and then rapidly cooling a metal causes its microstructure to change, resulting in increased hardness and strength. Similarly, in concrete, kõvastumine describes the chemical reaction and physical changes that lead to its setting and eventual hardening.

The concept of kõvastumine is also applicable in biological contexts, although it's less commonly referred to by this specific Estonian term. For example, the hardening of bone tissue during development or the formation of calluses on skin due to repeated friction can be considered forms of biological hardening. In a more abstract sense, the term can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a person becoming emotionally tougher or more resilient in the face of adversity. However, its primary and most frequent usage pertains to physical processes of material change.