The term "ductile" refers to a material's ability to be stretched or deformed without breaking. This property is commonly associated with metals, such as copper and gold, which can be drawn into thin wires. Ductility is an important characteristic in engineering and manufacturing, as it allows materials to be shaped and formed into various products. Ductile materials can absorb energy and undergo significant deformation before failure, making them useful in applications where flexibility and resilience are required. In contrast, brittle materials, like glass or ceramics, tend to break or shatter under stress without much deformation. Understanding ductility helps engineers select the right materials for specific uses.