Dictionary

hardness

noun hard·ness \-nəs\

: the quality or state of being hard

Full Definition of HARDNESS

1
:  the quality or state of being hard
2
a :  the cohesion of the particles on the surface of a mineral as determined by its capacity to scratch another or be itself scratched — compare mohs' scale
b :  resistance of metal to indentation under a static load or to scratching
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First Known Use of HARDNESS

before 12th century
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