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Webster 1913 Edition

Elasticity

Eˊlas-tic′i-ty

(ēˊlăs-tĭs′ĭ-ty̆)
,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
élasticité
.]
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.
2.
Power of resistance to, or recovery from, depression or overwork; – usually referred to as
resilience
[3].
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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Elasticity

ELASTIC'ITY

,
Noun.
The inherent property in bodies by which they recover their former figure or state, after external pressure,tension or distortion. Thus elastic gum, extended, will contract to its natural dimensions, when the force is removed. Air, when compressed, will, on the removal of the compressing force, instantly dilate and fill its former space.

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