Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dilatant
Adjective
/dɪˈleɪtənt/
Definition
A type of material that becomes more viscous when subjected to stress or shear, resulting in an increase in volume.
Examples
- The dilatant behavior of the cornstarch and water mixture makes it unique in the world of non-Newtonian fluids.
- When the paint is stirred rapidly, it shows dilatant properties, becoming more difficult to mix.
- In the experiment, the dilatant paste demonstrated how shear applied resulted in a significant increase in viscosity.
Meaning
In its simplest terms, dilatant refers to substances that expand under pressure and become thicker or more resistant to flow.
Synonyms
- Thickening
- Viscous
- Non-Newtonian