factor of safety

noun

1. the ratio of the maximum stress that a structural part or other piece of material can withstand to the maximum stress estimated for it in the use for which it is designed.

factor of safety

noun

1. the ratio of the breaking stress of a material or structure to the calculated maximum stress when in use Also calledsafety factor

Word History and Origins

Origin of factor of safety¹

First recorded in 1855–60