Stress is a measure of the local intensity of a [[Force|force]] on an object. Localized stress has the following definition: $\sigma=\lim_{\Delta A\to0}\dfrac{\Delta F}{\Delta A}$ Where $\Delta A$ signifies a portion of the objects cross-sectional [[Area|area]] and $\Delta F$ is a portion of the overall force applied to that area. Commonly the average stress is used to get a quick understanding of an object under load. Stress is related to [[Pressure|pressure]] as they have essentially the same definition.