Pronunciation: [ɔːksˈɛtɪk] (IPA) 
Auxetic is spelled /ɔːksɛtɪk/ in the IPA phonetic transcription. The word derives from the Greek "auxetos" meaning "increasing", and is used to describe materials that expand in all directions when stretched, unlike typical materials which contract. The spelling of the word follows English spelling conventions, with the "x" representing the "ks" sound in "aux", and the final "c" representing the "k" sound in "etic".
Auxetic is an adjective that refers to a material or substance possessing unusual and peculiar characteristics wherein it exhibits a negative Poisson's ratio. It is derived from the root word "auxesis," meaning growth or expansion in ancient Greek. Unlike most materials that undergo expansion when stretched or compressed, auxetic materials display an opposite behavior, expanding laterally when stretched longitudinally and contracting when compressed.
Auxetic substances are known for their unique mechanical properties, including the ability to withstand high strains and impact forces. Their negative Poisson's ratio implies that they can redistribute stress more efficiently than conventional materials, making them highly valuable in applications where durability and flexibility are paramount. Some common examples of auxetic materials include certain foams, meta-materials, fabrics, and cellular and lattice structures.
The auxetic behavior of these materials arises from their intricate microstructure, which enables them to deform in a characteristic manner. This property has sparked considerable interest in various fields, such as material science, engineering, and biomedical research, as it has the potential to revolutionize the development of innovative products and technologies. The exceptional properties of auxetic materials make them suitable for applications ranging from protective clothing and impact-resistant packaging to biomedical implants and filters.
In summary, auxetic refers to a wide range of materials or substances that exhibit an atypical expansion or contraction behavior when subjected to tensile or compressive forces, characterized by a negative Poisson's ratio. These materials possess unique mechanical properties that make them highly sought after for applications requiring flexibility, durability, and efficient stress redistribution.
A hypothetical chemical substance, the supposed specific action of which is to excite proliferation in leucocytes and other cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "auxetic" is derived from the Greek word "auxetos" (αὔξητος), meaning "increase" or "expand". The suffix "-ic" is added to form an adjective, giving the word its meaning of expansion or increase in volume when subjected to tension or deformation. The word "auxetic" is primarily used in the field of materials science to describe materials or structures that possess this unique property of expanding in multiple directions when stretched or deformed.
