The Middle English word malliable comes to us from Medieval Latin malleabilis, which in turn derives from the Latin verb malleare, meaning "to hammer." Malleare itself was created from the Latin word for "hammer": malleus.

What makes a material malleable?

A malleable material is one in which a thin sheet can be easily formed by hammering or rolling. In other words, the material has the ability to deform under compressive stress. A malleable material is one in which a thin sheet can be easily formed by hammering. Gold is the most malleable metal.

What does malleability mean?

: the quality or state of being malleable: such as. a : capability of being shaped or extended by hammering, forging, etc. the malleability of tin.