Brittled: meaning, definitions and examples

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brittled

 

[ˈbrɪtəld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

material quality

Brittled refers to the condition of a material that has become brittle, often due to factors such as age, exposure to environmental conditions, or chemical processes. When something is brittled, it is more likely to break or shatter under stress than when it is in a flexible or ductile state. This term is often used in engineering and materials science to describe the degradation of materials such as metals, glass, or plastics. Understanding brittling is crucial in assessing the longevity and safety of various products and structures.

Synonyms

breakable, delicate, fragile.

Examples of usage

  • The brittled glass shattered upon impact.
  • Due to the brittled steel, the structure was deemed unsafe.
  • The plastic became brittled after years of UV exposure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from 'brittle', which traces back to Old English 'bryth', meaning broken or fractured.
  • In Middle English, the term 'brittlenesse' referred to a quality of being easily breakable, showing how the concept has been around for centuries.

Science

  • Materials become brittled due to processes like aging or exposure to extreme temperatures, affecting their internal structure.
  • Certain metals can become brittle when cooled too quickly, as this alters their atomic arrangement.

Literature

  • In various literary works, brittleness is often used as a metaphor for fragility in life or relationships.
  • Poets may describe emotions or moments that 'brittle' at their peak, highlighting how quickly beauty can shatter.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray characters who become emotionally brittled after significant trauma, emphasizing their struggle to reconnect.
  • In video games, the concept of a character’s armor becoming brittled can symbolize vulnerability after facing challenges.

Psychology

  • People may become emotionally brittled when stress accumulates over time, leading to a breakdown in coping mechanisms.
  • The term is sometimes used in therapy discussions to describe individuals whose mental resilience has been compromised.

Translations

Translations of the word "brittled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quebrado

🇮🇳 टूटने वाला

🇩🇪 zerbrochen

🇮🇩 retak

🇺🇦 ламкий

🇵🇱 kruchy

🇯🇵 壊れやすい

🇫🇷 cassé

🇪🇸 quebrado

🇹🇷 kırılgan

🇰🇷 부서지기 쉬운

🇸🇦 هش

🇨🇿 křehký

🇸🇰 krehký

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 krhek

🇮🇸 brothættur

🇰🇿 сынғыш

🇬🇪 ტყდება

🇦🇿 qırılan

🇲🇽 quebrado