modulus of elasticity
–noun Physics. | any of several coefficients of elasticity of a body, expressing the ratio between a stress or force per unit area that acts to deform the body and the corresponding fractional deformation caused by the stress. |
Origin: 1800–10
Science Dictionary
modulus of elasticity
The ratio of the stress applied to a body to the strain that results in the body in response to it. The modulus of elasticity of a material is a measure of its stiffness and for most materials remains constant over a range of stress. ◇ The ratio of the longitudinal strain to the longitudinal stress is called Young's modulus. ◇ The ratio of the stress on the body to the body's fractional decrease in volume is the bulk modulus. ◇ The ratio of the tangential force per unit area to the angular deformation in radians is the shear modulus. See also Hooke's law.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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