What does it mean when a substance is described as malleable?

When a substance is described as malleable, it refers specifically to the material's ability to be shaped or deformed under compressive stress without breaking or cracking. This property allows metals, such as gold or aluminum, to be easily hammered or rolled into thin sheets without losing their structural integrity. Malleability is a key characteristic of certain materials, particularly metals, which often need to be formed into specific shapes and sizes for practical applications.

Strength, brittleness, and hardness relate to different mechanical properties and behaviors of materials under stress. While strong materials can withstand heavy loads, and hard materials resist indentation, they do not necessarily indicate malleability. Conversely, a brittle substance will break or shatter instead of being shaped, which directly contrasts with the concept of malleability. Thus, understanding the definition of malleable helps in distinguishing it from other material properties and recognizing its significance in material science and engineering.