Science, Tech, Math › Science Malleable Definition (Malleability) Chemistry Glossary Definition of Malleable Share Flipboard Email Print Scott Sandars from Melbourne, Australia/Wikimedia Commons/CC 2.0 Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated September 04, 2019 Malleability refers to a material's capacity to be shaped. The term is often used with reference to metals, as in the degree to which they can be shaped by pounding with a hammer or rolled into thin sheets. Malleability vs Ductility Both malleability and ductility are properties of plasticity. Plasticity is the ability of a material to experience plastic deformation without fracturing. Ductility is the material's ability to undergo plastic deformation without rupturing. It is the percent elongation or area reduction that may be experienced before breakage. While malleability and ductility are related, a material may be malleable without being ductile or vice versa. Gold is both highly malleable and highly ductile. Lead, on the other hand, is very malleable, but has low ductility.