1. not elastic; lacking the ability to return to original shape or size after being stretched or compressed
Usage: technical; physics
2. of or relating to deformation that is not fully recoverable; involving permanent change in shape
Usage: materials science; engineering

Examples

• The anelastic behavior of the metal meant it would not spring back to its original form.
• When the rubber band became old and brittle, it became anelastic and snapped easily.
• Engineers must account for anelastic deformation when designing structures that experience repeated stress.
• The anelastic properties of clay make it useful for sculpting.
• Unlike a spring, an anelastic material will not return to its initial state after being deformed.
• The material exhibited anelastic strain that persisted even after the load was removed.