elastic limit

noun

: the greatest stress that an elastic solid can sustain without undergoing permanent deformation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The other, by Korean and Malaysian researchers, looks at the effect of corrosion on steel that is stretched to or beyond its elastic limit as appears to have been the case for the ruptured pipe. NBC News, 2 Nov. 2021 But stretched beyond its elastic limit, the rubber band becomes permanently deformed. Dr. Richard Osibanjo, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elastic limit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elastic limit was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near elastic limit

Cite this Entry

“Elastic limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elastic%20limit. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on elastic limit

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