Elasticity

or ELASTIC FORCE, (e-las-tise-te.) [Gr. el anno, I set in motion.] (Phy.) That inherent property of bodies by which they restore themselves to their former figure after any external pre ure or tension; it is very observable in a bent bow, steel springs, and the like. Perfectly elastic bodies are those which restore themselves with the same force with which they were bent or depre ed; those which do not restore themselves with exactly the same force being called imperfectly elastic bodies. The air is elastic, vapors are elastic, and when the force compre ing them is removed, they instantly expand or dilate, and recover their former state. When an elastic solid body is made to vibrate by a sudden stroke, the vibrations are made in equal times, wherever the stroke may be applied; hence, a bell always gives the same tone, however struck. [s. 319]