Pronunciation: [dʌktˈɪlɪti] (IPA) 
The word "ductility" is spelled as /dəkˈtɪlɪti/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound, followed by a hard "c" sound and a "t" sound. The "i" before "l" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, and the final syllable is pronounced with the "ti" sounding as "tɪ." Ductility is the ability of a material to stretch or bend without breaking, often used in reference to metals.
Ductility is a physical property of a material that refers to its capacity to be stretched, elongated, or deformed under tensile stress without fracturing or breaking. It is a measure of a material's ability to undergo plastic deformation, specifically in response to tensile forces.
Ductility is often associated with metals, such as copper, gold, or silver, which are known for their ability to be elongated into wires or formed into various shapes without significant loss of strength. This property is crucial in applications where materials need to be bent, shaped, or stretched without suffering structural failure.
The ductility of a material is usually quantified by measuring its elongation or reduction in cross-sectional area after undergoing tensile testing. It is typically reported as a percentage, representing the amount of deformation that the material can withstand before breaking.
Highly ductile materials can be drawn into thin wires or hammered into thin sheets, making them invaluable in industries like electrical wiring, construction, and metalworking. In contrast, materials with low ductility are more prone to brittle fracture, limiting their applications and usage.
Ductility must not be confused with toughness, which represents a material's ability to absorb energy and withstand stress without fracturing or breaking, even when subjected to impact or sudden shock. While these properties are related, they measure different aspects of a material's response to mechanical forces.
The property possessed in a greater or less degree by all the metals of being beaten or drawn out without fracturing or breaking; flexibility; obsequiousness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ductility" originated from the Latin word "ductilis", which means "capable of being led or drawn". It is derived from the Latin verb "ducere", meaning "to lead" or "to draw". The term "ductility" was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe the quality or property of a substance to be drawn out or molded into a wire, thread, or other various forms without breaking.
