viscoelastic

American  

[vis-koh-i-las-tik] / ˌvɪs koʊ ɪˈlæs tɪk /

adjective

Physics.

1. pertaining to a substance having both viscous and elastic properties.

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viscoelastic British  

/ ˌvɪskəʊɪˈlæstɪk /

adjective

1. physics (of a solid or liquid) exhibiting both viscous and elastic behaviour when deformed

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Other Word Forms

• viscoelasticity noun

Etymology

Origin of viscoelastic

First recorded in 1930–35; visc(ous) + -o- + elastic

Example Sentences

Once inside, two things prevent a hasty escape: downward pointing hairs lining the inner pitcher wall, and a pool of liquid that is sometimes so viscoelastic it resembles quicksand.

From National Geographic • Feb. 5, 2024

Overall, this breakthrough technology has the potential to advance the understanding of the microstructure of viscoelastic materials, likely opening the doors for the development of novel materials with improved properties.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2023

Which is to say that Nudy’s go-to producers, Bourne and Coupe, are in top form on “EA Monster,” consistently spritzing their perfumed melodies over viscoelastic rhythms that jiggle and throb.

From Washington Post • Aug. 22, 2022

This glacier in Patagonia, Argentina, originated from successive snowfalls accumulating and compacting, forming a dense mass that is viscoelastic enough to be able to crawl down the valley.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2021

“Asphalt is a viscoelastic material, which is temperature-dependent. So, the hotter it is, the more fluid-like it is,” Muench says.

From The Verge • Jul. 5, 2021