The word "ductile" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈdʌktaɪl/. This word refers to the ability to be stretched or molded without breaking. It derives from the Latin word "ductilis," which means "able to be led or pulled." The pronunciation of the word includes the stress on the first syllable, which is pronounced as "duhk." The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as "ai." The final syllable is pronounced as "l," with a slight emphasis on the "t" sound before it.
Ductile is an adjective that refers to the property of a material to be capable of deformation or elongation under tensile stress without fracturing. It describes the ability of a substance to be stretched, bent, or pulled into various shapes or forms without losing its overall integrity. When a material is ductile, it can be drawn into a wire or hammered into thin sheets without breaking, indicating its ability to undergo plastic deformation.
Ductility is a highly desirable characteristic for many materials, especially metals, as it allows for easy shaping and forming during manufacturing processes. The opposite of ductility is brittleness, which describes materials that break or fracture before any significant plastic deformation occurs.
The ductile nature of a material is often quantified by measuring its elongation prior to fracture or its ability to withstand deformation before breaking. This property is influenced by factors such as the material's atomic structure, crystallographic arrangement, and the presence of impurities. Common examples of ductile materials include copper, aluminum, steel, and gold.
In engineering and construction, the ductility of materials plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of structures. Ductile materials are preferred in applications that require flexibility, resilience, and the ability to withstand dynamic loads.
Easy to be drawn out in length, as wire; that may be extended by beating; yielding; tractable.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ductile" derives from the Latin term "ductilis", which refers to something that can be drawn out or stretched. It is derived from the Latin verb "ducere", meaning "to lead" or "to draw". In this context, "ductile" describes the property of a material that can be easily formed into thin wires or drawn out into various shapes without breaking.