Main Entry: Hooke's law

Pronunciation: \ˈhu̇ks-\

Function: noun

: a statement in physics: the stress within an elastic solid up to the elastic limit is proportional to the strain responsible for it

Hooke, Robert (1635–1703), British physicist. Hooke was an outstanding scientist who did research in a great number of diverse areas. In 1660 he discovered the law which now bears his name. This law laid the basis for studies of stress and strain in elastic solids.