Ductility: meaning, definitions and examples

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ductility

[dʌkˈtɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in materials science

Ductility is the ability of a material to deform plastically under tensile stress. It is characterized by the material's ability to be stretched into a wire without breaking.

Synonyms

malleability, plasticity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ductility	Often used in engineering and materials science when discussing how metals and other materials can be stretched into thin wires without breaking. Copper is known for its high ductility, making it perfect for electrical wiring. The ductility of the metal allows it to be used in various industrial applications.
malleability	Commonly used to describe materials, especially metals, which can be hammered or rolled into sheets without cracking. Gold's malleability is one reason it's used for making fine jewelry. The malleability of aluminum makes it ideal for manufacturing cans and other containers.
plasticity	Used in materials science, sculpting, and psychology. In materials, it refers to the ability to be molded or shaped. In psychology, it refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change. Clay has high plasticity, making it easy to shape into various forms. Neural plasticity allows the brain to recover and adapt after an injury.

Word

Description / Examples

ductility

Often used in engineering and materials science when discussing how metals and other materials can be stretched into thin wires without breaking.

Copper is known for its high ductility, making it perfect for electrical wiring.
The ductility of the metal allows it to be used in various industrial applications.

malleability

Commonly used to describe materials, especially metals, which can be hammered or rolled into sheets without cracking.

Gold's malleability is one reason it's used for making fine jewelry.
The malleability of aluminum makes it ideal for manufacturing cans and other containers.

plasticity

Used in materials science, sculpting, and psychology. In materials, it refers to the ability to be molded or shaped. In psychology, it refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change.

Clay has high plasticity, making it easy to shape into various forms.
Neural plasticity allows the brain to recover and adapt after an injury.

Examples of usage

The ductility of gold allows it to be drawn into thin wires.
One of the key properties of metals is their ductility.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in psychology

Ductility refers to the ability to adapt to new situations and be flexible in one's thinking and behavior.

Synonyms

adaptability, flexibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ductility	Typically used in materials science, ductility refers to a material's ability to deform under tensile stress, indicating that it can be stretched into a wire. It can also reflect pliability in other contexts, but is most common in technical or engineering discussions. The ductility of gold makes it an excellent choice for intricate jewelry work. Engineers tested the ductility of the metal to ensure it could withstand extreme stress.
flexibility	Commonly used to describe both physical capability and metaphorical adaptability. It reflects the ease with which something can bend without breaking. It is applicable in a variety of contexts, from physical properties to personal traits and scheduling. Yoga improves physical flexibility as well as mental relaxation. Her job offers enough flexibility to allow for a good work-life balance.
adaptability	Suitably used in discussing someone's or something's ability to adjust to new conditions or environments. It highlights flexibility but specifically in the context of changing situations or challenges. Her adaptability to new job roles made her a valuable asset to the company. The plant's adaptability allows it to survive in both arid and tropical climates.

Word

Description / Examples

ductility

Typically used in materials science, ductility refers to a material's ability to deform under tensile stress, indicating that it can be stretched into a wire. It can also reflect pliability in other contexts, but is most common in technical or engineering discussions.

The ductility of gold makes it an excellent choice for intricate jewelry work.
Engineers tested the ductility of the metal to ensure it could withstand extreme stress.

flexibility

Commonly used to describe both physical capability and metaphorical adaptability. It reflects the ease with which something can bend without breaking. It is applicable in a variety of contexts, from physical properties to personal traits and scheduling.

Yoga improves physical flexibility as well as mental relaxation.
Her job offers enough flexibility to allow for a good work-life balance.

adaptability

Suitably used in discussing someone's or something's ability to adjust to new conditions or environments. It highlights flexibility but specifically in the context of changing situations or challenges.

Her adaptability to new job roles made her a valuable asset to the company.
The plant's adaptability allows it to survive in both arid and tropical climates.

Examples of usage

Children often show a high level of ductility in learning new skills.
In times of change, having ductility can be very beneficial.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ductility' comes from the Latin word 'ductilis,' which means 'able to be led or drawn out.'
First recorded use of the term in English dates back to the early 1600s, reflecting the growing interest in materials science.

Science

Metals like gold and copper are highly ductile, allowing them to be drawn into thin wires for use in electronics and jewelry.
Ductility is a key property of materials in engineering and construction, affecting how structures respond to stress.

History

The use of ductile materials can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where metals were shaped for tools and ornaments.
The development of metallurgy in ancient cultures allowed for increased ductility, leading to advancements in weapons and infrastructure.

Technology

Modern applications of ductility are crucial in the manufacturing of flexible electronics, which often rely on ductile metals for connectivity.
In civil engineering, the ductility of materials like steel is vital for earthquake-resistant structures.

Psychology

The concept of ductility can be metaphorically linked to adaptability in individuals, suggesting that those who are 'ductile' can bend rather than break under pressure.
Research indicates that a 'ductile' mindset in challenging situations can lead to better problem-solving and resilience.

Translations

Translations of the word "ductility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ductilidade

🇮🇳 नमनीयता

🇩🇪 Duktilität

🇮🇩 Duktilitas

🇺🇦 пластичність

🇵🇱 plastyczność

🇯🇵 延性 (えんせい)

🇫🇷 ductilité

🇪🇸 ductilidad

🇹🇷 sünekliği

🇰🇷 연성 (yeonseong)

🇸🇦 الليونة

🇨🇿 tvárnost

🇸🇰 tvárnosť

🇨🇳 延展性 (yánzhǎnxìng)

🇸🇮 duktilnost

🇮🇸 sveigjanleiki

🇰🇿 иілгіштік

🇬🇪 დუქტილობა

🇦🇿 duktilik

🇲🇽 ductilidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,156, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16153 domestically
16154 fluency
16155 tic
16156 ductility
16157 diagonally
16158 bouncing
16159 armchair
...