photoelasticity

[ foh-toh-i-la-stis-i-tee, -ee-la-stis- ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the phenomenon of double refraction of polarized light by a transparent substance under elastic stress, used to measure strain in elastic, transparent materials.

photoelasticity

/ ˌfəʊtəʊɪlæˈstɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the effects of stress, such as double refraction, on the optical properties of transparent materials

Other Words From

• pho·to·e·las·tic [foh-toh-i-, las, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of photoelasticity¹

First recorded in 1910–15; photo- + elasticity