What defines the term "ductility" in relation to metals?

Ductility specifically refers to a material's ability to be drawn out into a thin wire without breaking. This property is particularly significant in metals, which are known for their malleability and ductility. When a metal can be stretched or elongated under tensile stress, it demonstrates its ductility. For example, copper and aluminum are both highly ductile materials, which is why they can be easily formed into wires for electrical applications.

The other options describe different properties of materials. The ability to conduct heat pertains to thermal conductivity, while resistance to corrosion addresses a material's endurance against chemical degradation. The formation of alloys is related to the mixture of two or more metals, but it is not a defining characteristic of ductility. Understanding that ductility is specifically linked to the formation of wire allows for a clearer grasp of this important property in metals.