factor of safety
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.
Also called
safety factor.
Origin of factor of safety
First recorded in 1855–60
Words nearby factor of safety
factor in,
factor iv,
factor ix,
factor of adhesion,
factor of production,
factor of safety,
factor v,
factor vii,
factor viii,
factor x,
factor xi
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 use
Also called: safety factor