in metallurgy, process of improving the characteristics of a metal, especially steel, by heating it to a high temperature, though below the melting point, then cooling it, usually in air. The process has the effect of toughening by lessening brittleness and reducing internal stresses. Suitable temperatures for tempering vary considerably, depending on the type of steel and designed application; for tool steels, the hardness of which must be retained, the range is usually from 200° to 250° C (400° to 500° F). The term is also used for hardening by cold-working, as in drawing wire or rolling sheet steel.