Deformation
/ˌdiːfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
Definitions
The act or process of changing the shape of something or the state of being changed in shape.
/ˌdiːfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
The action or process of changing shape or distorting.
The artist observed the deformation of the clay as he molded the sculpture.
💡 Simply: Imagine you squeeze a ball of playdough. It changes shape, right? That change in shape is called deformation. It's what happens when something's shape gets squished, stretched, bent, or twisted.
👶 For kids: When something changes its shape, like when you squish a toy, it's called deformation!
More Examples
Excessive stress caused the deformation of the metal beam.
The scientist studied the deformation patterns of the glacier.
How It's Used
"The deformation of the bridge under heavy load was carefully monitored."
"Skeletal deformation can result from certain diseases."
"The study analyzed the rock deformation caused by tectonic activity."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Late Latin *dēfōrmātiō*, from Latin *dēfōrmāre* 'to deform', from *dē-* 'away, off' + *fōrmāre* 'to form'.
The term has been used in scientific contexts since the mid-19th century, particularly in engineering and physics.
Memory tip
Think of a clay sculpture being squeezed and reshaped - that's deformation!
Word Origin
"To change form"