noun

deformation

dee-for-MAY-shun/ˌdiːfɔːrˈmeɪʃn/

A change that distorts the shape or structure of something.

The crushed can shows severe deformation beside an identical intact can.

Deformation: close still life of a crushed metal drinks can with deeply buckled sides beside an intact identical plain blue cylindrical can.

Etymology

deLatinaway; undoing

+formLatinto shape, fashion

+ationLatinaction or process

The pieces name the process of putting something out of shape. English initially also used the word for changing form generally, before the selected sense of disfigurement or alteration for the worse developed.

In context

nptelhrd28:27

Because we have seen that fluids are characterized by deformation, they undergo continuous deformation on the under the action of even a very small shear force …

Mod-01 Lec-12 Fluid Kinematics (Contd.)

More examples

The dent is a small deformation in the metal lid.
Engineers check the bridge supports for signs of deformation.
Pressure deep underground causes deformation of the surrounding rock.

Forms

deformation · deformations

deform verb — To distort something's normal shape or structure.

deformity noun — An abnormal shape or structure, especially bodily.

Similar words

distortion: Emphasizes twisting or stretching and also applies to information.
warping: Specifically describes bending or twisting away from an original shape.