softening

The removal of antimony and other impurities from lead. See improving, 2.

The act of making soft or softer.

In painting, the blending of colors into each other.

In pathology, a diminution of the natural and healthy firmness of organs or parts of organs; mollities.

a. & n. from soften, v.

a localized softening of the brain substance, due to hemorrhage or inflammation. Three varieties, distinguished by their color and representing different stages of the morbid process, are known respectively as red, yellow, and white, softening.

Present participle of soften.

the process of becoming softer

having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin