plasticity

This term describes a state of malleability where a substance or system can be altered without returning to its original form. In material science, it refers to the permanent deformation of a solid under stress, distinguishing it from elasticity, which is the ability to snap back. In biological and psychological contexts, it refers to the dynamic capacity of the nervous system to reorganize its structure and functions. This adaptive quality allows for learning, memory formation, and recovery from trauma by forging new neural connections.