Definition of the word malleability

The word "malleability" originates from the Latin phrase "malleus," meaning "hammer," and the suffix "-ability," which forms an abstract noun indicating a quality or property. In the 15th century, the word "malleability" entered the English language, initially referring to the ability of a metal to be shaped or molded while still hot, especially into thin sheets or figures. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the ability of a material to be shaped or molded in any way, whether through heat, pressure, or other means. Today, "malleability" is used to describe the property of a substance to be shaped, bent, or molded without breaking or cracking, and is often used in fields such as metallurgy, engineering, and materials science.