Maleável

Maleável is a Portuguese adjective that translates to "malleable" in English. It describes the property of a material that can be permanently deformed or shaped by hammering, rolling, or pressing without fracturing. This characteristic is particularly important in metallurgy and manufacturing.

Materials that are considered highly maleável are typically metals such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum. These metals can be beaten into thin sheets or drawn into wires due to the way their atoms are arranged and how they can slide past each other under stress. The degree of maleabilidade varies significantly between different substances. For instance, while gold is extremely maleável, iron is less so and can become brittle under certain conditions.

The concept of maleabilidade is also used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is easily influenced, adaptable, or capable of being shaped. For example, a young child might be described as having a maleável mind, suggesting they are open to new ideas and easily taught. Similarly, a leader might be described as maleável if they are willing to adapt their strategies based on new information or circumstances. This metaphorical usage extends the practical physical property to behavioral and intellectual contexts.