Frangibility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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frangibility
[frรฆnหdสษชbษชlษชti ]
Definition
physical properties
Frangibility refers to the ability of a material to break or shatter when subjected to stress or pressure. It is an important property in various fields, including materials science and engineering. Frangible substances can be easily fractured into pieces, which can be both advantageous and disadvantageous depending on the application. Understanding frangibility helps in selecting materials that can withstand or are intended to be broken, such as in the case of safety glass or certain types of explosives.
Synonyms
breakability, brittleness, fragility.
Examples of usage
- The frangibility of the glass made it ideal for safety applications.
- In engineering, knowing the frangibility of a material can influence design choices.
- Certain frangible items are designed to break upon impact for safety reasons.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In materials science, frangibility is a crucial characteristic that helps in understanding how different substances respond to stress.
- Brittle materials, like certain ceramics and glass, have high frangibility, meaning they break easily rather than deform.
- Understanding frangibility can aid in developing safer materials that are less likely to shatter or break under pressure.
Psychology
- Frangibility can be a metaphor for human emotions โ fragile feelings are easily hurt or broken.
- Research indicates that overly frangible individuals might struggle with resilience and coping strategies.
- In therapy, recognizing emotional frangibility can help in addressing vulnerabilities and promoting healing.
Art
- In literature, frangibility is often a theme that represents vulnerability, showcasing characters or scenarios where things are precarious.
- Visual artists might use fragile materials to create pieces that highlight the beauty and tragedy of impermanence.
- Frangible sculptures challenge viewers to consider how delicate their environment and emotions can be.
Everyday Life
- In daily use, frangibility can relate to items like glass dishes, which require careful handling to avoid breaking.
- Understanding frangibility helps consumers make informed choices about items they buy, especially when shopping for children or during moves.
- Many household items are labeled with warnings about unfortunate frangibility to prevent accidents.
Origin of 'frangibility'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'frangere', which means 'to break'.
- It originally described physical items but has also been used in metaphorical contexts to discuss ideas or relationships.
- The word gained use in scientific discussions around materials, particularly in physics and engineering.
The term 'frangibility' originates from the Latin word 'frangere,' which means 'to break.' This Latin root is connected with several other words in English, including 'fragment' and 'frangible.' The concept of frangibility has been important in various fields, especially in relation to materials that are used in construction, manufacturing, and safety. Over time, the understanding of how different materials can break or shatter has evolved, leading to advancements in product design and engineering practices aimed at improving safety and effectiveness. The word began to be used in English around the late 19th century, specifically in scientific texts discussing material properties.