261. Materials, Properties of

degradability

the state or quality of being susceptible to breakdown or decomposition. —degradable , adj.

elasticity

Physics. the property of a substance that makes it possible to change its length, volume, or shape in direct response to a force and to recover its original form upon the removal of a force. —elastic , adj.

frangibility

the condition of being very easily broken.

friability

the condition of being easily crumbled or pulverized.

infrangibility

the state or condition of being unbreakable or indivisible. —infrangible , adj.

lubricity

the state or condition of having smooth surface, as to facilitate movement against another surface with a minimum of friction. —lubricious , adj.

malleability

the property of a substance that makes it capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers. —malleable , adj.

plasticity

the property of a substance that makes it capable of being molded, given shape, or being made to assume a desired form. —plastic , adj.

rigidity

the property of a substance that renders it inflexible, stiff, or nonpliable. —rigid , adj.

sabulosity

the quality or condition of being sandy or gritty. — sabulous , adj.

serosity

the quality or condition of being watery or thin, as a liquid. —serous , adj.

viscosity

the quality or condition of being able to adhere to things. — viscous , adj.

vitreosity

a state or quality resembling that of glass, as in hardness, brittleness, transparency, glossiness, etc. —vitreous , adj.