1. A nickel-titanium alloy that exhibits shape-memory and superelastic properties, returning to its original shape after deformation when heated or stress is removed.
Usage: technical; materials science; trademark (Nitinol is a registered trademark)

Examples

• Nitinol is widely used in medical devices such as stents and orthodontic wires.
• The shape-memory properties of nitinol allow it to return to its original form after being bent.
• Surgeons prefer nitinol instruments because they can flex without permanent deformation.
• Nitinol eyeglass frames can withstand bending and twisting without breaking.
• The superelastic behavior of nitinol makes it ideal for applications requiring repeated flexing.