Word of the Day 13 September 2026

cold work

Any of several plastic deformations of metal (or other material) at relatively low temperatures.

Why this one

Deforming metal below its recrystallisation temperature. It makes the metal stronger and less ductile at the same time.

In use

That bracket's had too much cold work in it already; bend it back again and it'll crack on you.

Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.

Sources