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

"That indicates the mechanism changed from dehydration embrittlement to thermal runaway."

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

A 46-page report by Digby Macdonald, a professor at UC Berkeley’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, suggested one of the plant’s nuclear reactors “poses an unreasonable risk to public health and safety due to serious indications of an unacceptable degree of embrittlement,” or deterioration due to prolonged exposure to radiation.

From Los Angeles Times

They also argued that the steel wall in Unit 1 might be deteriorating from sustained exposure to radiation and is becoming susceptible to cracking, a condition technically known as embrittlement.

From Seattle Times