Definition of Softening

1. Noun. The process of becoming softer. "He observed the softening of iron by heat"

Specialized synonyms: Maceration
Generic synonyms: Action, Activity, Natural Action, Natural Process
Derivative terms: Soften, Soften

2. Adjective. Having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin.
Exact synonyms: Demulcent, Emollient, Salving
Similar to: Soft
Derivative terms: Demulcent, Emollient

Definition of Softening

1. Verb. (present participle of soften) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Softening

1. soften [v] - See also: soften

Lexicographical Neighbors of Softening

softboxes
softcopies
softcopy
softcover
softcovered
softcovers
softed
soften
soften up
softened
softened up
softener
softeners
softening (current term)
softening up
softeningly
softens
softens up
softer
softest
softgoods
softhanded
softhead
softheaded
softheadedly
softheadedness
softheads
softhearted

Literary usage of Softening

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Treatise on the principles and practice of medicine: Designed for the Use by Austin Flint (1881)
"Inflammatory softening and Abscess of the Brain. Sclerosis of the Brain. Non-inflammatory softening of the Brain. Intrn-cranial Tumors. ..."

2. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences by Southern Society for Clinical Investigation (U.S.) (1837)
"Amongst the causes, those which seem to have the most direct influence in the production of softening of the stomach in children, are, the first dentition, ..."

3. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease by American Neurological Association, Philadelphia Neurological Society, Chicago Neurological Society, New York Neurological Association, Boston Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (1890)
"In this patient there were undoubted occlusion of arteries and softening. ... Naturally softening was common in people of advanced age. ..."

4. A Treatise on the principles and practice of medicine: Designed for the Use by Austin Flint, Frederick Porteous Henry (1894)
"softening of the mucous tunic of the stomach has been already IIIL- tioned as one of the anatomical characters of gastritis. ..."

5. A Treatise on the principles and practice of medicine: Designed for the Use by Austin Flint (1868)
"When the degree of softening of the mucous membranes is less, ... Non-inflammatory softening of these membranes, elsewhere than in the stomach and small ..."

6. A Treatise on the Diseases of the Nervous System by William Alexander Hammond (1876)
"When softening is the result of haemorrhage, of arterial embolism, ... The condition of softening is not usually set up after either haemorrhage, ..."

7. A Treatise on the Principles and Practice of Medicine: Designed for the Use by Austin Flint (1873)
"Non-inflammatory softening of the brain is frequently associated with ... softening, as thus produced, as will be hereafter seen, is involved in certain ..."

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