bulk modulus of elasticity

(mechanics) The ratio of the compressive or tensile force applied to a substance per unit surface area to the change in volume of the substance per unit volume. Also known as bulk modulus; compression modulus; hydrostatic modulus; modulus of compression; modulus of volume elasticity.

A number expressing a material’s resistance to elastic changes in volume; the ratio between a pressure that acts on a material (to change its volume) and the fractional change in volume so produced, within the elastic limit of the material.

The ratio of mechanical stress to strain in an elastic material when that material is being compressed; it is the modulus of elasticity applied to a material under compression:modulus of compression = compressive force per unit area/change in volume per unit volume.