vulcanize

/ˌvʌlkəˈnaɪz/

Other forms: vulcanized; vulcanizing

To vulcanize is to submit rubber to a process that makes it hard. Charles Goodyear, whose name is synonymous with car tires, first developed the method used to vulcanize rubber.

If it weren't for the ability to vulcanize rubber, a process that involves using chemicals to strengthen it, our lives would look very different than they do. We use this hardened rubber in objects including the tires on our cars, rubber hoses, the soles of our shoes, and those red rubber balls we use to play kickball. Before it came to describe this process, vulcanize meant "put into flames," from the Roman god of fire, Vulcan.

Definitions of vulcanize

1. verb

   undergo treatment with sulfur and heat to make stronger
   “vulcanize rubber”

   synonyms: vulcanise

   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
2. verb

   treat with sulfur and heat to make stronger or more elastic
   “vulcanized rubber”

   synonyms: vulcanise

   type of:

   process, treat

   subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition