What defines the term 'ductility' in materials?

Ductility is defined as the ability of a material to be stretched or deformed under tensile stress without breaking. This characteristic is crucial in engineering and materials science, as it indicates how well a material can be manipulated or formed into various shapes before failure. Ductility allows materials to absorb energy and undergo significant deformation before fracturing, which is essential in applications where materials must withstand forces without failing abruptly. For instance, metals such as copper and aluminum showcase high ductility, making them suitable for applications that require extensive shaping, such as wiring and structural components.

The other options refer to different mechanical properties: the ability to withstand impact relates to toughness; resistance to compressive stress pertains to compressive strength; and the ability to absorb energy can be a characteristic of toughness or resilience. Each of these properties plays a distinct role in material performance but does not specifically define ductility.