factor of safety

: the ratio of the ultimate strength of a member or piece of material (as in an airplane) to the actual working stress or the maximum permissible stress when in use

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of factor of safety was in 1850

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Dictionary Entries Near factor of safety

factor of production

factor of safety

factor V

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Factor of safety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factor%20of%20safety. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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