Frangibility is a word that refers to the quality of being easily broken or shattered. The spelling of this term can be challenging for many to pronounce correctly. It is pronounced as /frændʒəˈbɪləti/ with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word breaks down the pronunciation of each letter into its corresponding phonetic symbol. This helps people understand the exact sounds that make up the word, making it easier to learn and pronounce correctly.
Frangibility refers to the quality or state of being easily broken, fragile, or susceptible to breaking or shattering upon impact. The term is often used in a technical or scientific context, particularly in the fields of materials science and engineering.
When an object or material exhibits frangibility, it implies that it possesses a low resistance to stress or force. This lack of strength can make it highly prone to breaking or fragmenting under even slight pressure, whether due to external forces or its own inherent weakness. Frangibility can be observed in various substances such as glass, ceramics, or brittle plastics.
In practical terms, the frangibility of a material can be a crucial characteristic to consider in numerous applications. For example, in industries that involve packaging delicate items or manufacturing fragile components, the use of materials with lower frangibility may be necessary to ensure their safe handling and transport. Conversely, understanding the frangibility of different materials can also help engineers design structures or products with enhanced durability and resilience.
To assess the frangibility of a material, scientists may conduct specific tests and measurements to determine its breaking point or brittleness. These investigations often involve subjecting the material to controlled stress or impact, recording its response, and analyzing the results.
Overall, frangibility encompasses the vulnerability of a material to breakage, emphasizing its lack of resistance and potential for fragmentation when subjected to external forces.
Brittleness; in geol., the degree of facility with which a rock yields to the hammer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "frangibility" is derived from the adjective "frangible", which originated from the Latin word "frangibilis". The Latin term is derived from the verb "frangere", meaning "to break" or "to shatter". Hence, "frangibility" refers to the quality or state of being easily broken or shattered.