viscoelastic

adjective

vis·​co·​elas·​tic ˌvi-skō-ə-ˈla-stik How to pronounce viscoelastic (audio)
: having appreciable and conjoint viscous and elastic properties
such viscoelastic materials as asphalt
also : constituting or relating to the state of viscoelastic materials
viscoelastic data
viscoelastic properties
viscoelasticity noun

Examples of viscoelastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By changing its physical properties, the blood of these animals can seal wounds in about a minute because the watery hemolymph that initially bleeds out turns into a viscoelastic substance outside of the body and retracts back to the wound. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 Insect hemolymph is not the only type of bodily fluid that demonstrates viscoelastic properties. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 To study the viscoelastic properties of the syrup and taffy samples, the team applied shearing forces and measured each material's response, and examined the rheological effects of various factors: temperature, sugar and water ratios, aeration (air bubbles), and emulsification. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 Additionally, joint side bars work to promote stability, and viscoelastic pads provide a massaging effect during usage. Jack Byram, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2023 These beds are designed with a viscoelastic material that conforms to the dog's body shape, providing optimal support and pressure point relief. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023 In the 1980s, NASA released the formula for viscoelastic foam (AKA temper foam) to the public. Allen Foster, chicagotribune.com, 13 Mar. 2021 That huge range of temperatures means the new material could be used in everything from spacecraft to car shock absorbers, said Roderic Lakes, a scientist at the University of Wisconsin who studies viscoelastic materials. Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2010 Angelika Humbert would welcome input from people in other fields who study viscoelastic materials. IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

viscous + -o- + elastic

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viscoelastic was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near viscoelastic

Cite this Entry

“Viscoelastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscoelastic. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

viscoelastic

adjective
vis·​co·​elas·​tic ˌvis-kō-ə-ˈlas-tik How to pronounce viscoelastic (audio)
: having appreciable and conjoint viscous and elastic properties
also : constituting or relating to the state of viscoelastic materials
viscoelastic properties
viscoelasticity noun
plural viscoelasticities
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