The adjective “ductile” comes from the Latin root “ductilis,” which means “easily led.” “Ductile” can be used in a few different ways, but they all apply to physical materials. Ductile metal, for example, is easily drawn out into a thin wire. Any sort of pliable, malleable material that can be molded can be called “ductile.” It means it’s tough and sturdy, but still capable of taking on a different shape. If the material is metal, “ductile” specifically refers to the capability to draw it out into a long, thin wire.