Which term refers to the ability of a material to resist deformation and maintain its shape under an applied force?

The term that refers to the ability of a material to resist deformation and maintain its shape under an applied force is "stiffness." Stiffness is a mechanical property that describes how much a material will deform under stress. It is characterized by the relationship between the applied load and the resulting displacement or deformation. A material with high stiffness will show little deformation when subjected to an external force, while a material with low stiffness will deform more easily.

In engineering and design, understanding stiffness is crucial for ensuring that structures and components will perform as intended without excessive bending or distortion. It can be influenced by factors such as the material type, geometry, and boundary conditions. This property is fundamental in various applications, including construction, automotive, and aerospace engineering, where maintaining structural integrity under load is critical.