Brittled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
brittled
[หbrษชtษld ]
Definition
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
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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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 characterโs 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.
Origin of 'brittled'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'brittled' originates from the late Middle English word 'brittle,' which means easily broken or damaged. The root of this word can be traced back to the Old English 'bryttel,' which also conveys the idea of fragility. The suffix '-ed' is commonly used in English to denote the past participle form, indicating something that has undergone the process of becoming brittle. The concept of brittleness is significant in various fields, including materials science, where understanding the properties of materials like metals, polymers, and ceramics is critical for engineering applications. Over time, the increasing focus on material durability and safety has made the term more prominent in both academic and industrial contexts.