coefficient of elasticity

2 definitions found

coefficient of elasticity - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Elasticity \E`las*tic"i*ty\ ([=e]`l[a^]s*t[i^]s"[i^]*t[y^]), n.
     [Cf. F. ['e]lasticit['e].]
     1. The quality of being elastic; the inherent property in
        bodies by which they recover their former figure or
        dimensions, after the removal of external pressure or
        altering force; springiness; resilience; tendency to
        rebound; as, the elasticity of caoutchouc; the elasticity
        of the air.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Power of resistance to, or recovery from, depression or
        overwork; -- usually referred to as resilience[3].
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Coefficient of elasticity, the quotient of a stress (of a
        given kind), by the strain (of a given kind) which it
        produces; -- called also coefficient of resistance.
  
     Surface of elasticity (Geom.), the pedal surface of an
        ellipsoid (see Pedal); a surface used in explaining the
        phenomena of double refraction and their relation to the
        elastic force of the luminous ether in crystalline media.
        [1913 Webster]

coefficient of elasticity - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  coefficient of elasticity
      n 1: (physics) the ratio of the applied stress to the change in
           shape of an elastic body [syn: coefficient of elasticity,
           modulus of elasticity, elastic modulus]