Brittlest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
brittlest
[หbrษชtษlษชst ]
Definition
physical properties
Brittlest refers to the state of being most fragile or easily breakable. It describes materials that cannot absorb much energy before fracturing.
Synonyms
most breakable, most delicate, most fragile.
Examples of usage
- Glass is the brittlest material in comparison to metals.
- The brittlest parts of the structure need reinforcement.
- Ceramics can be the brittlest when subjected to stress.
Translations
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Origin of 'brittlest'
The word 'brittle' originates from the Old English term 'brytel', which means 'broken'. This term has ancient roots tied to the Proto-Germanic word 'brutalaz', emphasizing the concept of breakability. The suffix '-est' denotes the superlative form, indicating the highest degree of the quality described, which in this case is fragility. Over the centuries, the term has been utilized in various contexts, primarily in materials science and engineering, to describe substances that exhibit low toughness and high sensitivity to stress, leading to sudden fracture under pressure. The development of this terminology reflects the growing understanding of material properties among scientists and engineers, particularly during the 19th century as industrialization advanced.