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factor of safety
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noun
the ratio of the maximum stress that a structural part or other piece of material can withstand to the maximum stress estimated for it in the use for which it is designed.
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Also called safety factor.
Origin of factor of safety
First recorded in 1855–60
Words nearby factor of safety
factor in, factoring, factorize, factor of adhesion, factor of production, factor of safety, factors, factor VIII, factory, factory farm, factory outlet
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for factor of safety
factor of safety
noun
the ratio of the breaking stress of a material or structure to the calculated maximum stress when in useAlso called: safety factor
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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