kovetuissa

Kovetuissa is a Finnish term that generally translates to "hardened" or "tempered" in English, most commonly referring to a process applied to metals. This metallurgical treatment aims to increase the hardness and strength of a metal, typically steel. The process involves heating the metal to a specific temperature, then rapidly cooling it, often in a quenching medium like water, oil, or brine. This rapid cooling traps carbon atoms within the iron's crystalline structure, creating a very hard but also brittle material.

To overcome the brittleness, a subsequent process called tempering is usually performed. Tempering involves reheating the hardened metal to a lower temperature, below its critical point, and then allowing it to cool more slowly. The exact temperature and duration of tempering are crucial and depend on the specific metal alloy and the desired properties. Tempering reduces the hardness slightly but significantly increases the toughness and ductility, making the material less prone to fracture.

The term kovetuissa can also be used metaphorically in Finnish to describe someone who has become emotionally resilient or tough due to difficult experiences. This figurative usage implies a person who has endured hardships and as a result, has developed a stronger, less vulnerable disposition. The context in which the word is used is key to understanding whether it refers to a metallurgical process or a personal characteristic.