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Glite Dictionary
auxetic

auxetic

9.9
Becoming wider when stretched, like some foams and body tissues
  • adjective
  • /ɔːˈzɛtɪk/
  • Specialized
: auxético
  • An auxetic material expands in all directions when stretched, making it unique in engineering.

Examples

  • The properties of auxetic foam allow it to absorb shocks more effectively than traditional materials.

  • Researchers are exploring auxetic designs that could enhance the performance of body armor.

  • For example, Yang et al. manufactured auxetic lattice structures using EBSM.

    Academic text (2018)

Surface Forms

auxetic positive

Morphology

auxetic = auxesis (opaque) = aux + etic

Formed from the specialized combining form 'aux-' plus the adjectival suffix '-etic'; the root is not a productive or familiar standalone English word, so learners cannot deduce the meaning from components.

Etymology

Auxetic comes from the Greek root auxein, meaning 'to increase' or 'grow'. So an auxetic material gets wider or increases in size when you stretch it, not thinner.