The quality of being hard. / An instance of this quality; hardship. / (inorganic chemistry) The quantity of calcium carbonate dissolved in water, usually expressed in parts per million (ppm).

plural of hardness

Resistant to pressure. / (of drink or drugs) Strong. / (of a normally nonalcoholic drink) Containing alcohol. / (of water) High in dissolved chemical salts, especially those of calcium.

(manner) With much force or effort. / (manner) With difficulty. / (obsolete) So as to raise difficulties. / (manner) Compactly. / (now archaic) Near, close.

(countable, nautical) A firm or paved beach or slope convenient for hauling vessels out of the water. / (countable, motorsports) A tyre whose compound is softer than superhards, and harder than mediums.

(slang, vulgar) An erection of the penis. / (slang, vulgar, figuratively) A desirous arousal based on a fascination or obsession.

An English and Irish surname transferred from the given name.

plural of hard

The short coarser fibers of flax or hemp; tow.

(dated) Close to; near; in proximity to; next to.