Definition of malleable

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< Malle, Louis

mallee >

mal·le·a·ble    (ml--bl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Capable of being shaped or formed, as by hammering or pressure: a malleable metal.
2. Easily controlled or influenced; tractable.
3. Able to adjust to changing circumstances; adaptable: the malleable mind of the pragmatist.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin mallebilis, from mallere, to hammer, from Latin malleus, hammer; see mel- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
malle·a·bili·ty or malle·a·ble·ness (Noun), malle·a·bly (Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
malleable , ductile , plastic , pliable , pliant

These adjectives mean capable of being shaped, bent, or drawn out: malleable metals such as gold and silver; ductile copper; a plastic substance such as wax; soaked the leather to make it pliable; pliant molten glass.

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