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Synonyms

deformation

American  
[dee-fawr-mey-shuhn, def-er-] / ˌdi fɔrˈmeɪ ʃən, ˌdɛf ər- /

noun

  1. the act of deforming; distortion; disfigurement.

  2. the result of deforming; change of form, especially for the worse.

  3. an altered form.

  4. Geology, Mechanics. a change in the shape or dimensions of a body, resulting from stress; strain.


deformation British  
/ ˌdiːfɔːˈmeɪʃən /

noun

  1. the act of deforming; distortion

  2. the result of deforming; a change in form, esp for the worse

  3. a change in the dimensions of an object resulting from a stress

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of deformation

1400–50; late Middle English deformacioun < Latin dēfōrmātiōn- (stem of dēfōrmātiō ), equivalent to dēfōrmāt ( us ) (past participle of dēfōrmāre; see deform 1) + -iōn- -ion

Vocabulary lists containing deformation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Computer models are helping scientists explain a puzzling pattern of deformation beneath the East African Rift System.

From Science Daily Sep. 1, 2026

In the newer study, Rajaonarison again used 3D thermomechanical modeling, this time concentrating specifically on the unexplained rift-parallel deformation.

From Science Daily Sep. 1, 2026

According to the models, this deep mantle flow can account for deformation that does not fit the simpler pattern expected from a continent being stretched apart.

From Science Daily Sep. 1, 2026

At the same time, deeper mantle flow associated with the African Superplume may be responsible for the unusual northward deformation and the seismic signature beneath it.

From Science Daily Sep. 1, 2026

The deformation to the west of the Three Sisters doesn’t pose a problem right now, and it might not for a very long time to come.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

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