deformation

American

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

noun

the act of deforming; deform; distortion; disfigurement.
the result of deforming; deform; change of form, especially for the worse.
an altered form.
Geology, Mechanics. a change in the shape or dimensions of a body, resulting from stress; strain.

Other Word Forms

deformational adjective
nondeformation noun

Etymology

Origin of deformation

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

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.

In most traditional systems, these deformations are minor and do not significantly alter the internal structure of the materials during motion.

From Science Daily

Scientists were able to confirm Jerk alerts using other monitoring indicators, including seismicity, ground deformation, and volcanic gas measurements.

From Science Daily

"For bridges specifically, MT-InSAR allows for more frequent deformation measurements across the entire infrastructure network, unlike traditional inspections, which typically occur only a few times per year and require personnel on the ground."

From Science Daily

Activity far below the surface can prepare the crust for later deformation, influencing where major fractures and rifts eventually develop.

From Science Daily

Using the right material is essential in packaging advanced chips that have little tolerance for microscopic deformations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023