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Ductile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ductile

[ˈdʌk.taɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

material science

Capable of being drawn out into a thin wire without breaking

Synonyms

malleable, pliable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ductile

When describing a material that can be stretched into a thin wire without breaking, such as metals.

  • Copper is a ductile metal, which makes it ideal for electrical wiring.
  • Gold is both ductile and malleable, allowing it to be used in fine jewelry.
malleable

When discussing a material that can be hammered or pressed into different shapes without breaking or cracking, often used for metals.

  • Aluminum is malleable, making it useful for creating beverage cans.
  • Jewelry designers prefer malleable metals like gold and silver.
pliable

When referring to materials or objects that can be easily bent or flexed without breaking, often used for softer materials.

  • The plastic coating on the wires is very pliable.
  • Pliable rubber makes these gloves comfortable and easy to wear.

Examples of usage

  • Gold is a ductile metal, which is why it is commonly used in jewelry making.
  • Copper is another example of a ductile material, often used in electrical wiring.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Capable of being molded or shaped without breaking

Synonyms

adaptable, flexible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ductile

Used primarily in scientific and engineering contexts to describe materials that can be stretched or shaped without breaking.

  • Copper is known to be a highly ductile metal.
  • Ductile materials are essential in manufacturing processes.
flexible

Applies to both physical properties of objects and the ability of people to adjust their thinking or schedule. It can also describe organizations or systems. This term is more general.

  • This hose is made from flexible material.
  • Having a flexible timetable is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
adaptable

Describes a person or system that can easily adjust to new conditions or changes. Commonly used in both personal and professional settings.

  • She's very adaptable to new environments.
  • The software is adaptable to various operating systems.

Examples of usage

  • Clay is a ductile material that can be easily shaped into different forms.
  • The artist used a ductile polymer to create the flexible sculpture.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Materials Science

  • Gold is one of the most ductile metals; a single gram can be stretched into a wire over 2 kilometers long.
  • Copper is widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent ductility and conductivity.
  • The ductility of materials is crucial in engineering, especially for applications requiring bent or shaped components.

History

  • Ancient Egyptians were known to work with gold due to its ductility, allowing them to craft intricate jewelry.
  • The ability to draw metals into wires significantly advanced technology during the Industrial Revolution.
  • In the 19th century, the understanding of ductility helped fuel innovations in metalworking and manufacturing.

Physics

  • Ductility is influenced by temperature; metals usually become more ductile when heated.
  • Stress testing for ductility involves pulling or stretching a material until it deforms or breaks.
  • Ductile materials are preferred in construction because they can absorb energy and deform without sudden failure.

Art

  • Artists sometimes work with ductile metals to create sculptures that require bending and twisting.
  • Jewelry makers rely on ductility to create beautiful designs with metals that retain their shape after manipulation.
  • The ability to stretch metal into fine wires allows for intricate and delicate artistic techniques, such as filament jewelry.

Origin of 'ductile'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ductile' comes from the Latin 'ductilis', which means 'that can be led or drawn'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 17th century, primarily to describe materials that can be shaped.
  • Related terms include 'duct' and 'induct', which also imply something that can be drawn or led.

The word 'ductile' comes from the Latin word 'ductilis', which means 'that which can be led or drawn'. The concept of ductility has been important throughout history, especially in metalworking and materials science. The ability of a material to be molded, shaped, or drawn out without breaking has been essential in various industries, from jewelry making to construction.

See also: ducts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,761, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.