hardness number
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia.
Related to hardness number: Rockwell Hardness Number
hardness number
A number on a calibrated scale indicating the relative hardness as determined by a particular system of testing, e.g., Knoop, Mohs, Rockwell, Vickers hardness tests. A steel ball or diamond point is applied with a known variable load for a determined period of time to produce an indent whose depth or diameter can be measured.
See also: number
Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners