This is the 3565th most frequent Chinese word.
淬
"淬" means "to temper, harden (metal), or quench."
The word "淬" is part of the compound word "淬火" which means "quenching" in metallurgy, indicating the process of rapidly cooling hot metal to alter its properties.
铁匠在淬火的过程中观察钢材的反应。
The blacksmith observes the reaction of the steel during the quenching process.
The word "淬" is metaphorically used in "淬炼" to imply polishing or refining one’s skills, derived from the literal meaning of tempering or enhancing material quality.
这位艺术家用淬炼的技艺雕琢每一件作品。
This artist carves each piece with refined craftsmanship.
The word "淬" poetically describes the tempering process, used figuratively to convey the sharpness or refinement obtained from such a process.