Definition
Wire that has been heat-treated and then cooled in a controlled way to make it soft, flexible, and easy to bend without cracking. Annealing relieves internal stresses left over from drawing the wire and restores a uniform grain structure in the metal.
Plain English
Wire that has been softened by heating so it bends easily and won't snap when worked.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance materials, especially where wire must be bent, wrapped, or twisted to hold parts securely.
Derivation
From the Old English ânælan, meaning 'to set on fire' or 'to bake.' The word has long described the process of heating metal or glass to make it workable. Knowing the root reinforces that annealing is a heat process, not a coating or material type.
Why Pilots Care
Safety wire made from annealed material stays secure under vibration without fatiguing or breaking, keeping critical fasteners locked in place.
Intuition Check
Annealed does not mean the wire is damaged or worn out. It means the wire has been intentionally softened by heat treatment so it can bend more easily.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic used annealed stainless steel wire to safety the engine accessory bolts.
Example Sentence 2
After torquing the exhaust clamps, the technician installed annealed wire in a double-twist pattern to lock them.