1Designating a mixture of hardened steel and a softer, stronger metal (especially iron) in which the steel is fused to a core made of the other metal, as "soft-centre steel", etc.

2Designating a ploughshare consisting of soft metallic core and a hardened metallic surface, especially one made of soft centre steel; designating a plough possessing such a ploughshare. Now rare.

3Of a chocolate or other confection: = "soft-centred".

4Revealing an essentially compassionate or sentimental nature.

1A soft filling inside a chocolate or other confection.

2A chocolate or other confection with a soft filling.

3A compassionate or sentimental nature, a tender heart, especially contrasting with a tough exterior.