Crossword Genius

Tempered, toughened (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

annealed

This clue is a double definition.

'tempered' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)

'toughened' is the second definition.
(annealing is a kind of toughening)

(Other definitions for annealed that I've seen before include "Strengthened" , "made tougher" , "Like heat-treated metal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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