embrittlement

[ em-brit-l-muhnt ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of embrittlement¹

First recorded in 1915–20; embrittle + -ment

Example Sentences

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

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

From Seattle Times

Instead, the groups argue, operator Pacific Gas & Electric has relied on data from similar reactor vessels to justify continued operations at Diablo Canyon, while dismissing indications 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