auxetic

adjective

aux·​et·​ic

(ˈ)ȯg¦zetik, 

(ˈ)ȯk¦se-

1

: characterized by auxesis

2

: inducing auxesis

3

: having the property when stretched of becoming thicker along an axis perpendicular to the direction of the force being applied

… when auxetic materials are stretched, they get thicker instead of thinner.

—Futuretech, 30 Apr. 2010

In technical terms, auxetic materials have a negative Poisson's ratio, a quantity used to describe how a material changes shape when it is deformed. … Materials can have a negative Poisson's ratio if their molecules are linked in a gridlike arrangement that slides wider in the perpendicular direction if pulled taut.

—Alexandra Witze, Dallas Morning News, 27 Oct. 2003

auxetic noun

plural auxetics

Now is an exciting time for the field of auxetic materials. Auxetics are increasingly recognised as integral components of the smart and advanced materials technologies required for future economic growth.

—Andy Alderson, Chemistry and Industry, 24 Jan. 2011

auxetically

-tə̇k(ə)lē

adverb

Word History

Etymology

Greek auxētikos growing, promoting growth, from auxētos increased, capable of being increased (from auxanein, auxein to increase) + -ikos -ic

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Rhymes for auxetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic