1. the property of certain materials to increase in volume when subjected to shear stress
Usage: physics; materials science
2. the tendency of granular materials to expand when deformed
Usage: geology; soil mechanics

Examples

• The dilatancy of wet sand makes it firm underfoot when walking quickly.
• Engineers must account for dilatancy when designing foundations in sandy soils.
• The researcher studied the dilatancy effects in various granular materials.
• Dilatancy causes the sand to temporarily harden under sudden pressure.
• The soil’s dilatancy properties affect its stability during construction.
• Scientists measured the dilatancy of the clay mixture under different stress conditions.