embrittlement

American  

[em-brit-l-muhnt] / ɛmˈbrɪt l mənt /

noun

1. the act or process of becoming brittle, as steel from exposure to certain environments or heat treatment or because of the presence of impurities.

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Etymology

Origin of embrittlement

First recorded in 1915–20; embrittle + -ment

Example Sentences

Earthquakes at intermediate depths, including the Calama event, were long believed to be triggered mainly by a process known as "dehydration embrittlement."

From Science Daily • Jan. 1, 2026

In the context of type 2 diabetes, these mechanisms are compromised, resulting in collagen embrittlement.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2024

PG&E was expected to begin embrittlement testing on the vessel last month, with the plant shut down for refueling.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023

In addition to its well-known health and environmental effects, mercury also damages industrial facilities through corrosion, such as embrittlement of aluminium heat exchangers, and it poisons catalysts.

From Newsweek

Ideally, such samples are periodically examined for hidden cracks, allowing scientists to determine how much embrittlement has occurred.

From Time Magazine Archive