superelasticity
nounUK /ˌsuːpərɪlæˈstɪsɪti/
US /ˌsuːpərɪlæˈstɪsəti/
A special ability of some metals to bend a lot and then spring back to their original shape.
The superelasticity of the wire lets it be twisted and still return to its shape.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In physics, the property of a material that can recover from very large strains without permanent damage.
Engineers studied the superelasticity of the alloy for use in medical stents.
3. The quality of being extremely stretchy or springy.
The toy's superelasticity amazed the children as it bounced back every time.
4. A behavior in certain smart materials where stress causes a phase change that reverses when released.
The superelasticity comes from a reversible change in the crystal structure.