Definition of "embrittlement" [embrittlement]

• The characteristic or process of being embrittled. (noun)
• The loss of flexibility or elasticity of a material. (noun)

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• "Under intense multi-decade stress from heat and radiation, all suffer dangerously from embrittlement of critical metals and degradation of structural concrete."
• "For instance, some steels become brittle, and alloys which resist embrittlement must be used in nuclear reactors."
• "For most plastics, heat absorption was the key to rapid embrittlement, and the cooler ocean environment acted as a heat sink, slowing the process."