(g) To make less glaring; to tone down; as, to soften the coloring of a picture. (h) To make tender; to make effeminate; to enervate; as, troops softened by luxury. (i) To make less harsh or grating, or of a quality the opposite; as, to soften the voice.
SOFTEN
Sof"ten, v. i.
Defn: To become soft or softened, or less rude, harsh, severe, or obdurate.
SOFTENER
Sof"ten*er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, softens. [Written also, less properly, softner.]
SOFTENING
Sof"ten*ing, a. & n.
Defn: from Soften, v. Softening of the brain, or Cerebral softening (Med.), a localized softening of the brain substance, due to hemorrhage or inflammation. Three varieties, distinguished by their color and representing different stages of the morbid process, are known respectively as red, yellow, and white, softening.
SOFT-FINNED
Soft"-finned`, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the fin rays cartilaginous or flexible; without spines; — said of certain fishes.
SOFT-HEADED
Soft"-head`ed, a.