Pronunciation: [bɹˈɪtlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "brittling" can be confusing because it includes two silent letters - the "b" and the second "t". The word is pronounced as /ˈbrɪtlɪŋ/ (br-ih-t-l-ing), with the stress on the first syllable. The "i" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, while the "t" and "l" are pronounced together as a blended consonant. "Brittling" is the present participle of the verb "brittle", which means to become brittle or fragile.
Brittling is a verb that describes the act or process of becoming brittle, or the state of being brittle. When something, usually a solid material, is said to be brittling, it means that it is becoming fragile, easily broken, or prone to breaking under pressure or tension. This term is commonly used in the context of physical objects, such as ceramics, plastics, or even bones, which lose their flexibility and become hard, rigid, and susceptible to fracture.
Brittling can occur due to various reasons, such as age, exposure to extreme temperatures, or prolonged stress. As a material becomes brittler, it may exhibit reduced resilience, elasticity, or tensile strength. In some cases, brittling can be a desirable property, as it can make certain materials easier to break or shatter for specific purposes, such as in safety glass or brittle plastics used in packaging.
However, brittling can also be a disadvantage or a sign of material degradation, as it can lead to unexpected or premature structural failures. Engineers and researchers often study brittleness and the brittling process to develop strategies for mitigating or controlling it, especially in critical applications where durability, strength, or flexibility are essential.
Overall, brittling refers to the gradual or sudden transition of a material from a more flexible or resilient state to a more fragile and prone-to-break state.
The word brittling is derived from the verb form brittle, which in turn comes from the adjective brittle. The term brittle dates back to the Middle English period (from around the 12th to the 15th century), with roots in the Old English word brytel or bryttol. It was originally used to describe something that easily breaks or shatters. The word ultimately stems from the Proto-Germanic word brutilaz, meaning easily broken.
