The act of kneading or working a substance (e.g., dough or clay); also refers to tempering/working a material to improve its properties.
パン作りでは生地の練りがとても大切だ。
In bread making, kneading the dough is very important.
陶芸では土の練りが不十分だと作品に気泡が入る。
In pottery, if the clay isn't properly kneaded, air pockets can form in the piece.
鋼の性質を整えるために何度も練りを行った。
The metal was repeatedly worked/tempered to adjust its properties.
A paste (e.g., bean paste or mustard paste) — a spreadable or kneaded food substance.
お寿司に練りワサビではなく、生わさびを使いたい人もいる。
Some people prefer fresh grated wasabi instead of prepared paste wasabi on sushi.
この店の練り物は魚のすり身を使った伝統料理だ。
This shop's 'nerimono' is a traditional dish made from fish paste.
In Shinto/festival contexts, the parading or procession of portable shrines and floats (often called 'o-neri').
祭りの日には町内を練り歩くお練りが行われる。
On festival days, an 'o-neri' procession parades through the neighborhood.