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Malleability: meaning, definitions and examples

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malleability

 

[ˌmæliəˈbɪləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical properties

The quality of something that can be shaped into different forms without breaking.

Synonyms

ductility, flexibility, pliability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malleability

Used when talking about materials that can be beaten or pressed into shapes without breaking. Often used in metallurgy or materials science.

  • The malleability of gold makes it easy to create thin sheets.
  • Copper's high malleability is beneficial for making industrial parts.
flexibility

Describes something that can bend or flex without breaking. This term is often used in both literal and figurative senses.

  • The flexibility of rubber bands makes them useful for many tasks.
  • Her schedule’s flexibility allows her to manage work and family efficiently.
pliability

This term is used when talking about something that can be easily bent or shaped, often implying softness. It's less technical than 'malleability' and 'ductility'.

  • Leather’s pliability makes it perfect for crafting bags and shoes.
  • The pliability of the clay allows for intricate designs.
ductility

Refers to materials that can be stretched into a wire without breaking. Commonly used in engineering and materials science.

  • The ductility of copper makes it ideal for electrical wiring.
  • Steel has good ductility, which is crucial for construction materials.

Examples of usage

  • The malleability of gold allows it to be hammered into thin sheets.
  • The malleability of clay makes it a popular material for sculptors.
  • The malleability of metals is an important characteristic in manufacturing processes.
Context #2 | Noun

mental attributes

The ability to be easily influenced or changed.

Synonyms

adaptability, openness, susceptibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malleability

Used to describe the ability of a material or a person to easily change shape or be influenced. Often related to physical properties (e.g., metals) or a person's flexibility in the face of change.

  • The malleability of the metal makes it perfect for industrial use
  • Her malleability allowed her to quickly adjust to the new workplace dynamics
adaptability

Commonly used to describe the capacity of a person, animal, or system to adjust to new conditions or environments. Often highlights resilience and flexibility.

  • His adaptability made him an ideal candidate for the job
  • The adaptability of the species ensures its survival in various climates
openness

Refers to a person's willingness to consider new ideas or try new experiences. Often relates to mental and emotional flexibility.

  • Her openness to feedback helped her improve quickly
  • The team's openness to different opinions fostered an innovative environment
susceptibility

Indicates a vulnerability or likelihood of being affected by something negative, such as illness, criticism, or influence. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • His susceptibility to colds made him cautious during flu season
  • The town's susceptibility to flooding makes it necessary to build strong defenses

Examples of usage

  • The malleability of young minds makes education crucial in shaping future generations.
  • Political propaganda aims to exploit the malleability of public opinion.
  • The malleability of memory can lead to false recollections.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'malleabilis,' which means 'able to be hammered.'
  • It has been used in English since the early 19th century, primarily in a scientific context related to materials.

Materials Science

  • Gold is one of the most malleable metals; a single gram can be hammered into a sheet that's over a square meter in size.
  • Certain alloys, like brass, combine metals to enhance malleability for various applications, from musical instruments to plumbing fixtures.
  • Malleability often correlates with ductility, which is the ability to be drawn into wires. Metals like copper exhibit both traits.

Cultural Significance

  • In ancient cultures, the malleability of metals like gold and silver made them symbols of wealth and power, used in jewelry and adornments.
  • Artisans throughout history have celebrated malleability, crafting intricate designs that showcase the versatility of various metals.

Physics

  • Malleability is a critical property in understanding how materials deform under stress, fundamental in engineering and construction.
  • Changing temperature can affect a material's malleability; for example, metals often become more malleable when heated.

Applications

  • Malleability is important in manufacturing, influencing methods like forging and rolling metals during production.
  • Artists and craftspeople use malleability in metalworking to create sculptures, jewelry, and functional items.

Translations

Translations of the word "malleability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maleabilidade

🇮🇳 नम्यता

🇩🇪 Verformbarkeit

🇮🇩 keliatan

🇺🇦 ковкість

🇵🇱 plastyczność

🇯🇵 可鍛性 (かたんせい)

🇫🇷 malléabilité

🇪🇸 maleabilidad

🇹🇷 dövülebilirlik

🇰🇷 가단성

🇸🇦 قابلية للطرق

🇨🇿 kujnost

🇸🇰 kujnost

🇨🇳 可锻性 (kěduànxìng)

🇸🇮 kovnost

🇮🇸 mótanleiki

🇰🇿 иілгіштік

🇬🇪 მოქნილობა

🇦🇿 sərtlik

🇲🇽 maleabilidad

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,757 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.