In physics, the property of certain materials that increase in volume when deformed or compressed (opposite of normal compression).
From dilatant + -cy (noun suffix). Dilatant relates to dilation. The term emerged in 20th-century materials science to describe non-Newtonian fluids exhibiting this unusual property.
Cornstarch slurry is dilatant—punch it hard and it becomes solid, but squeeze it gently and it oozes through your fingers, which is why it's called 'oobleck' and used in fun physics demonstrations.
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