Elastic Deformation 1
Elastic Deformation 1 : (1) (n.) Geology. The deformation that can be recovered when an applied stress has been removed. When the elastic limit of a material has been exceeded, nonrecoverable, permanent deformation occurs. See: Elastic Limit, Plastic Deformation, Rheology. (2) (n.) Geophysics. A temporary change in shape caused by applied stress. The change in shape is not permanent and the initial shape is completely recovered once the stress is removed