First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
ductile
adjective duc·tile \ˈdək-təl, -ˌtī(-ə)l\
of a metal : capable of being bent or pulled into different shapes
Full Definition of DUCTILE
1
: capable of being drawn out into wire or thread <ductile iron>
2
: easily led or influenced
3
: capable of being fashioned into a new form
— duc·til·i·ty \ˌdək-ˈti-lə-tē\ noun
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Origin of DUCTILE
Middle English ductil, from Latin ductilis, from ducere
Synonym Discussion of DUCTILE
plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form <plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom>. pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated <pliable rubber tubing>. pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness <an athletic shoe with a pliant sole>. ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease <ductile metals such as copper>. malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape <the malleable properties of gold>. adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses <computer hardware that is adaptable>.
Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms
Medical Dictionary
ductile
adjective duc·tile \ˈdək-təl, -ˌtīl\
Medical Definition of DUCTILE
: capable of being drawn out or hammered thin <ductile metal>
—duc·til·i·ty \ˌdək-ˈtil-ət-ē\ noun, plural duc·til·i·ties
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