How Do You Spell EMBRITTLEMENT?

Pronunciation: [ɛmbɹˈɪtə͡lmənt] (IPA)

The word "embrittlement" is spelled with an "mb" in the middle, despite it being pronounced with a single "m" sound (IPA: /ɪmˈbrɪtlmənt/). This is because when the word was formed in the 17th century from the verb "embrittle", the prefix "em-" (meaning "in" or "into") was added, resulting in the double "m" spelling. The word refers to the process of making a material brittle or fragile, often due to exposure to certain environmental conditions.

EMBRITTLEMENT Meaning and Definition

1. Embrittlement is a phenomenon that refers to the process or condition in which a material becomes more brittle and prone to fracture or breakage. It occurs when the mechanical properties of a material, typically metals or alloys, deteriorate or weaken, leading to reduced resistance against deformation or failure.

   Embriitlement is often a result of various factors or mechanisms. One common cause is hydrogen embrittlement, which occurs when hydrogen atoms infiltrate the lattice structure of a metal or alloy. This internal hydrogen accumulation can lead to the formation of microcracks or weak spots within the material, reducing its ductility and making it more susceptible to fracture under stress.

   Other forms of embrittlement include environmental embrittlement, which is caused by exposure to certain corrosive environments or chemicals that can alter the material's structure and performance over time. Additionally, thermal embrittlement can occur when a material is subjected to high temperatures, causing changes in its atomic arrangement that make it brittle.

   Embrittlement is a critical concern in many industries, such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where the reliability and durability of materials are crucial. Understanding and mitigating embrittlement is essential for ensuring the safe operation and longevity of structures and components subjected to mechanical stress or environmental factors. Various testing methods and preventive measures are employed to identify and minimize the risk of embrittlement in materials, including proper material selection, heat treatment techniques, and stress relief procedures.

Common Misspellings for EMBRITTLEMENT

• Embrattlement

Etymology of EMBRITTLEMENT

The word "embrittlement" is derived from two components: "em-" and "brittle".

The prefix "em-" in this context serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the quality or action expressed in the root word.

The root word "brittle" originates from the Old English word "brytel", which means fragile or easily broken. It can be traced back further to the Old English verb "bryttan", meaning to break or burst.

By combining these components, "embrittlement" describes the process or state of becoming brittle or fragile.

Plural form of EMBRITTLEMENT is EMBRITTLEMENTS