Crappy Old Definitions

As you may recall, we look up each word of the day in two different dictionaries: 1) Random House Unabridged Dictionary Second Edition (1993), and 2) An American Dictionary of the English Language (1892). Things can change in 100 years!

Here's the Dictionary dot com definition of today's word:

duc·tile

[duhk-tl, -til] Show IPA

adjective

1. capable of being hammered out thin, as certain metals; malleable.

2. capable of being drawn out into wire or threads, as gold.

3. able to undergo change of form without breaking.

4. capable of being molded or shaped; plastic.

Much the same as the Random House definition, but definitely different than the crappy old definition-- which we all used. (Sentences about metals are so prosaic.) 

 

Expecting ductile young minds ready for molding, the ideologue professor was shocked to encounter critical thinkers among his students.

--Mr. Big Food 

 

Brittle in appearance, the old gentleman was still rather ductile in thought.

--Marica

 

[Miss M's] inability to change her mind proved that her opinion was not ductile.

--Daughter C

 

My desire to smoke appears to be quite ductile.

--A. Leland

 

It is truly unfortunate that the ductile young minds of America don't have the blessing of positive role models.

--Miss M