viscoelastic

adjective

vis·​co·​elas·​tic ˌvi-skō-ə-ˈla-stik How to pronounce viscoelastic (audio)
: having appreciable and conjoint viscous and elastic properties
such viscoelastic materials as asphalt
also : constituting or relating to the state of viscoelastic materials
viscoelastic data
viscoelastic properties
viscoelasticity
ˌvi-skō-ə-ˌla-ˈsti-sə-tē How to pronounce viscoelastic (audio)
-ˈti-stē
noun

Examples of viscoelastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inspired by medical-grade silicone gel used in prosthetics, this viscoelastic gel compound is embedded in the heel and forefoot of the midsole. — Cory Smith, Outside, 3 Dec. 2025 By changing its physical properties, the blood of these animals can seal wounds in about a minute because the watery hemolymph that initially bleeds out turns into a viscoelastic substance outside of the body and retracts back to the wound. — Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024 Unlike metal, wood has natural 'viscoelastic' properties to absorb vibration. — New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026 Additionally, joint side bars work to promote stability, and viscoelastic pads provide a massaging effect during usage. — Jack Byram, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2023 Tiles also exhibited hysteresis, which was smaller at slower speeds due to the rubber’s viscoelastic properties, as reported by Nanowerk. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025 This new ability allows robot designers to tailor the properties of viscoelastic damping materials in order to reduce impact forces and isolate vibrations. — Erico Guizzo, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Oct. 2016

Word History

Etymology

viscous + -o- + elastic

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viscoelastic was in 1935

Rhymes for viscoelastic

See All Rhymes for viscoelastic

Browse Nearby Words

visco-
viscoelastic
viscolize
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viscoelastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscoelastic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

viscoelastic

adjective
vis·​co·​elas·​tic ˌvis-kō-ə-ˈlas-tik How to pronounce viscoelastic (audio)
: having appreciable and conjoint viscous and elastic properties
also : constituting or relating to the state of viscoelastic materials
viscoelastic properties
viscoelasticity
-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē, -ˈtis-tē How to pronounce viscoelastic (audio)
noun
plural viscoelasticities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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