Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
coefficient of elasticity

coefficient of elasticity

7.9
A number that shows how much a material changes shape when you push or pull it
  • noun
  • /koʊˈɛfɪʃənt əv ɪˈlæstɪsɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : coeficiente de elasticidad
  • Rubber has a much lower coefficient of elasticity compared to steel, making it more flexible.

Examples

  • The coefficient of elasticity determines how materials respond to stress.

  • The coefficient of elasticity of a material affects its ability to return to its original shape after deformation.

  • Engineers must consider the coefficient of elasticity when selecting materials for building bridges.

  • The coefficient of elasticity of the metal was determined through a series of laboratory tests.

  • Many engineers study the coefficients of elasticity in their materials.

  • Engineers must consider the coefficient of elasticity when selecting materials for building bridges.

  • Rubber has a much lower coefficient of elasticity compared to steel, making it more flexible.

Synonyms

elastic modulus
vscoefficient of elasticity
  • Specialized
7.3

A number that shows how stiff a material is when you push or pull it

focuses on stiffness or flexibility measurement rather than resistance framing
modulus of elasticity
vscoefficient of elasticity
  • Specialized
7.5

A number that shows how stiff a material is when force makes it stretch

is the general ratio not limited to reversible deformation

Surface Forms

coefficient of elasticity singular
coefficients of elasticity plural

Morphology

coefficient + of + elasticity

This phrase is compositionally transparent: 'coefficient' signals a numeric constant or measure and 'elasticity' names the property being measured, so together they denote a number describing how elastic a material is. A B1 learner who knows both constituents can therefore infer the general meaning (a measure of stiffness/flexibility), even if they do not know the precise physical formula.

Etymology

Coefficient of elasticity comes from the words coefficient (a 'number') and elasticity (the 'stretchiness' of a material). Imagine pulling a rubber band — the coefficient is the number that shows how much the band fights to return, so the phrase tells 'how stiff or flexible' a material is.