elastomer

/ɪˈlæstəmə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈlæstəmər/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈla-stə-mər/ (ame, mw)

elastomer — noun

1. A type of polymer that can stretch to at least twice its original length under f

1.名詞C1
釋義

A type of polymer that can stretch to at least twice its original length under force and quickly return to its original shape when the force is removed. Natural rubber is a well-known elastomer, and many synthetic versions such as neoprene and silicone are used in industry.

例句

Car tires are made from elastomers because they need to bend and bounce back on the road.

collocation: made from elastomers

The soles of running shoes often contain a lightweight elastomer that absorbs shock during exercise.

collocation: lightweight elastomer

同義詞
  • rubber

    the everyday term; 'rubber' is a specific natural elastomer, while 'elastomer' is the broader scientific category

  • polymer

    a wider category; all elastomers are polymers, but not all polymers have elastic properties

  • elastic material

    descriptive phrase rather than a precise scientific term; less formal

反義詞
  • plastic

    plastic deforms permanently under stress, whereas an elastomer returns to its original shape

  • rigid material

    materials such as glass or metal do not stretch significantly under normal conditions

用法筆記

Common in technical writing about polymers and industrial materials. In everyday English, the simpler word 'rubber' usually replaces 'elastomer' for most practical situations.

常見錯誤

❌This rubber band is made of elastomer.
✅This rubber band is made of an elastomer.
💡'Elastomer' is a countable noun describing a class of materials, so it needs an article or plural form.
❌Elastomers are only man-made.
✅Elastomers can be natural (like rubber) or synthetic (like neoprene).
💡The term covers both natural and artificial materials.