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deformation

deformation

7 5.9
A change in the shape of an object that makes it look or work worse
  • noun
  • /ˌdiːfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : deformación
  • The intense heat from the fire caused noticeable deformation of the metal structure.
  • load-deformation
  • deformation curve
  • skin deformation

What about like actual physical deformations?

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Examples

  • The engineer studied the deformation of the bridge to assess its safety after the storm.

  • So one thing we definitely see is increasing deformation over time.

  • If you have a large object and you move it around, it will experience deformation because different parts of it get stressed differently.

  • Mecanoreceptors sense mechanical deformation of the skin.

  • The softer the particles, the larger the deformation and contact area, and therefore the greater the adhesion.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The same is true of cracks and other deformations in the Earth's crust, which can sometimes be traced across plates.

  • Over time, the constant pressure led to the deformation of the plastic container.

Synonyms

distortion
vsdeformation
26 5.0

A change in shape or appearance that makes things look less accurate

is specifically about physical shape change rather than general quality change
bending
vsdeformation
10 2.1

A change that makes something curve from being straight

includes any shape change, not only curving from straightness
contortion
vsdeformation
4 7.2

A twisting of a body part or object into an unusual shape

can be milder or accidental shape change, not only extreme twisting
warpage
vsdeformation
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Bending or twisting of a thing so it loses its original shape

is the general process of shape change often seen as damaging
flection
vsdeformation
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A bending of a joint like a knee or elbow

applies to general damaging shape change beyond simple joint bending
distorted shape
vsdeformation
5.9

Something that no longer looks like its original form after bending or heat

is the process that produces such damaging or undesirable shape change
change of shape
vsdeformation
3.2

The way something becomes a different form when it is bent, heated, or pressed

focuses on harmful or undesirable change rather than neutral alteration
plasticization
vsdeformation
  • Specialized
8.9

When a solid keeps a new shape after bending under stress

covers any damaging shape change, not only permanent material softening
incurvation
vsdeformation
  • Specialized
9.9

A part of something that bends inward like a spine or branch

is broader, covering any damaging shape change not only inward curves
incurvature
vsdeformation
  • Specialized
9.9

A curve that bends inward

is the wider process of harmful shape change beyond inward bending
deflexion
vsdeformation
  • Specialized
9.9

The amount something moves away from its original position

is about shape change itself rather than a measured deviation amount

Antonyms

98 3.4

The act of returning something to its original state

How Deformed

deformation
  • Specialized
7 5.9
distortion
26 5.0
dent
46 1.0
bending
10 2.1

Surface Forms

deformation singular
deformations plural

Morphology

deformation = deform (semi-transparent) = de + form + ation

The noun is a regular and easily understandable formation from the verb 'deform', meaning the process or result of deforming.

Etymology

Deformation comes from the parts de- meaning 'away' and form meaning 'shape', the same form you see in transform. So, a deformation is when something's shape is pushed away from its normal state or changed, often in a damaging or unwanted way.