Coefficient of elasticity

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}]
    

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]