Yield point

The first stress in a material, usually less than the maximum attainable stress, at which an increase in strain occurs without an increase in stress. Only certain metals-those which exhibit a localized, heterogeneous type of transition from elastic to plastic deformation-produce a yield point. If there is a decrease in stress after yielding, a distinction can be made between upper and lower yield points. The load at which a sudden drop in the flow curve occurs is called the upper yield point. The constant load shown on the flow curve is the lower yield point.

Source: The OHIO State University