Answer: tempering

AnswerCrossword Clue
temperingTEMPER, to moderate (to reduce in intensity)
temperingImprove the hardness and elasticity of (steel or other metal) by reheating and then cooling it
temperingImprove the consistency or resiliency of (a substance) by heating it or adding particular substances to it
temperingTune (a piano or other instrument) so as to adjust the note intervals correctly
temperingServe as a neutralizing or counterbalancing force to (something)