Glossary H

Deutsch: Härte / Español: Dureza  / Português: Dureza / Français: Dureté  / Italiano: Durezza
Hardness is a measure of how resistant solid matter is to various kinds of permanent shape change when a force is applied. Macroscopic hardness is generally characterized by strong intermolecular bonds, but the behavior of solid materials under force is complex; therefore, there are different measurements of hardness: scratch hardness, indentation hardness, and rebound hardness.

In the quality management context, hygiene refers to the practices and procedures that are implemented to ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, and other stakeholders.