Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dilatant
Adjective
/ˈdɪləˌtænt/
Definition
A material that becomes thicker or more viscous when subjected to shear stress.
Examples
- When pressure was applied, the dilatant solution became more difficult to stir.
- The behavior of the dilatant fluid was surprising to the scientists conducting the experiments.
Meaning
Dilatant materials exhibit an increase in viscosity when they are stirred or stressed, which is contrary to what most fluids do.
Synonyms
- Shear-thickening
- Non-Newtonian
