BRITTLENESS Meaning and
Definition
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Brittleness refers to the property or characteristic of an object or material that is prone to breaking or shattering easily when subjected to stress or force. It is the opposite of toughness and indicates a lack of flexibility or resilience.
In the context of materials, brittleness is often associated with low ductility, meaning the material does not easily stretch or deform without fracturing. Brittle materials like glass, ceramics, and certain metals tend to have a crystalline structure with weak atomic bonds, making them vulnerable to sudden, catastrophic failure. They lack the ability to absorb and distribute energy through plastic deformation, leading to abrupt fractures.
Brittleness can also refer to the state of being fragile, delicate, or easily damaged. It can describe an object's disposition towards breaking under slight pressure or impact, rendering it unsuitable for rough handling or prolonged use. For example, a brittle antique vase may require careful handling to avoid accidental breakage.
In a metaphorical sense, brittleness may also describe a person's character or behavior. A person who is emotionally brittle may be easily hurt, sensitive, or unable to withstand adversity without breaking down or experiencing severe emotional distress.
Overall, brittleness encapsulates the concept of fragility, lack of pliability, and susceptibility to damage or rupture when subjected to external forces, whether in the physical or metaphorical sense.
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The quality of being easily broken into fragments; want of tenacity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BRITTLENESS
Etymology of BRITTLENESS
The word brittleness originated from the Old English word brytelnes, which was derived from the Middle English term britelnes. This Middle English term was formed by combining the root word britel with the suffix -nes. Britel is an adjective meaning easily broken or fragile, and it can be traced back to the Old English word brytel. The suffix -nes adds the abstract noun form to the adjective, turning britel into britelnes, which gives us the modern term brittleness.
Similar spelling words for BRITTLENESS
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