elastic limit

noun Physics.

the greatest stress that can be applied to an elastic body without causing permanent deformation.
Also called limit of proportionality, proportional limit.

Origin of elastic limit

First recorded in 1860–65

Words nearby elastic limit

elastic deformation, elastic fiber, elastic lamella, elastic lamina of cornea, elastic layer of cornea, elastic limit, elastic membrane, elastic modulus, elastic rebound, elastic scattering, elastic skin

British Dictionary definitions for elastic limit

elastic limit

noun

the greatest stress that can be applied to a material without causing permanent deformation

Scientific definitions for elastic limit

elastic limit

The stress point at which a material, if subjected to higher stress, will no longer return to its original shape. Brittle materials tend to break at or shortly past their elastic limit, while ductile materials deform at stress levels beyond their elastic limit.