Monday word: ductility

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

ductility  (dŭk-tĭl′ĭ-tē), noun
1. A solid material's ability to deform under tensile stress (pulling).
2. The quality of being flexible or malleable.

Today's word is brought to you by the lyrics for "Lonely Lab of Broken Hearts" by The Arrogant Worms.

If you've seen the "backwards bicycle" video, it seems a good example of the relative ductility of a child's mind compared to an adult's.

Etymology:  from Latin ducere, to lead.

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Specifically under pulling, rather than bending or pushing? Interesting.

---L.

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

The materials science definition seemed that specific, with 'malleability' specific to the ability to deform under compression. In the materials science world, it seems the distinction is pretty important.

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the difference is important. Sheers and strains are not the same thing, either.

---L.