deformation

noun

de·​for·​ma·​tion ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce deformation (audio) ˌde-fər- How to pronounce deformation (audio)
1
: alteration of form or shape
also : the product of such alteration
2
: the action of deforming : the state of being deformed
3
: change for the worse
deformational adjective

Examples of deformation in a Sentence

the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Those tools can’t, for instance, always account for conditions like tire deformation. Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2024 The higher-ranking Maya used different techniques to shape their children’s skulls, creating an oblique deformation, which made their heads look longer than the average Maya’s. Martin Broen, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024 That's what is being measured by the deformation of the crust. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024 Their hardness, which is their ability to withstand surface deformation, falls just short of that of Ti-6Al-4V. Additional research could boost their hardness further. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deformation 

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of deformation was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near deformation

Cite this Entry

“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformation. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on deformation

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