dilatancy

/ daɪˈleɪtənsɪ; dɪ- /

noun

1. a phenomenon caused by the nature of the stacking or fitting together of particles or granules in a heterogeneous system, such as the solidification of certain sols under pressure, and the thixotropy of certain gels

Example Sentences

There was no underground compression or slight expansion of rock—no dilatancy—and this could be measured with great precision.

From Slate

Expat carries with it the sense of choice, but also a whiff of flightiness and dilatancy, the idea that you’ve rejected the country of your birth for reasons of lifestyle rather than need.

From Slate

If the dilatancy effects occur in a small area, the quake will be minor but will occur soon.

From Time Magazine Archive

Both effects seemed related to a phenomenon called dilatancy�the opening of a myriad of tiny, often microscopic cracks in rock subjected to great pressure.

From Time Magazine Archive

Brace even suggested at the time that the physical changes associated with dilatancy might provide warning of an impending earthquake, but neither he nor anyone else was quite sure how to proceed with his proposal.

From Time Magazine Archive