an·neal / əˈnēl/ • v. [tr.] heat (metal or glass) and allow it to cool slowly, in order to remove internal stresses and toughen it. ∎  Biochem. recombine (DNA) in the double-stranded form following separation by heat. ∎  [intr.] Biochem. (of DNA) undergo this process.DERIVATIVES: an·neal·er n.

anneal †kindle OE.; fuse, fire XIV; burn in colours, temper, etc. with fire XV. OE. onǣlan, f. on- + ǣlan kindle, burn, bake, f. āl fire, rel. to ǣ(e)d fire = OS. ēld, ON. eldr.