Flexural strength, also known as modulus of rupture, bend strength, or fracture strength,[dubious – discuss] a mechanical parameter for brittle material, is defined as a material's ability to resist deformation under load.[citation needed] The transverse bending test is most frequently employed, in which a specimen having either a circular or rectangular cross-section is bent until fracture or yielding using a three point flexural test technique. The flexural strength represents the highest stress experienced within the material at its moment of rupture. It is measured in terms of stress, here given the symbol