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Ductile - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ductile describes a material, usually metal, that can be stretched or bent without breaking. It is often used to describe substances like gold or copper that can be drawn into thin wires.

ductile

/ˈdʌktəl/ /ˈdʌktaɪl/

Definition:

Capable of being stretched or shaped without breaking, often referring to metals or materials.

Synonyms:

Malleable, pliable, flexible, adaptable

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Brittle, rigid, inflexible

Common Collocations:

Ductile metal, ductile material, ductile behavior

Derivatives:

Ductility, ductileness

Usage Tips:

Use "ductile" to describe materials that can deform under stress without fracturing, like copper or gold.

Common Phrases:

Ductile as gold, ductile under pressure

Etymology:

From Latin "ductilis," meaning "able to be led or drawn," from "ducere" (to lead).

Examples:

  • 1. The copper wire is highly ductile and easy to bend.
  • 2. Gold remains ductile even when stretched into thin sheets.
  • 3. Ductile materials are essential for manufacturing flexible electronics.
  • 4. The blacksmith tested the metal’s ductile properties by hammering it flat.

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