ductile

adjective duc·tile \ˈdək-t^əl, -ˌtī(-ə)l\

of a metal : capable of being bent or pulled into different shapes

Full Definition of DUCTILE

: capable of being drawn out into wire or thread <ductile iron>

: easily led or influenced

: 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

First Known Use: 14th century

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>.