Elater
(||El"a*ter) n. [NL., fr. Gr. driver, fr. to drive.]
1. (Bot.) An elastic spiral filament for dispersing the spores, as in some liverworts.
2. (Zoöl.) Any beetle of the family Elateridæ, having the habit, when laid on the back, of giving a sudden
upward spring, by a quick movement of the articulation between the abdomen and thorax; — called also
click beetle, spring beetle, and snapping beetle.
3. (Zoöl.) The caudal spring used by Podura and related insects for leaping. See Collembola.
Elater
(El"a*ter) n. (Chem.) The active principle of elaterium, being found in the juice of the wild or
squirting cucumber (Ecballium agreste, formerly Motordica Elaterium) and other related species. It is
extracted as a bitter, white, crystalline substance, which is a violent purgative.
Elaterite
(El"a*ter*ite) n. (Min.) A mineral resin, of a blackish brown color, occurring in soft, flexible
masses; — called also mineral caoutchouc, and elastic bitumen.
Elaterium
(El`a*te"ri*um) n. [L., fr. Gr. neut. of driving. See 2d Elater.] A cathartic substance obtained,
in the form of yellowish or greenish cakes, as the dried residue of the juice of the wild or squirting cucumber
(Ecballium agreste, formerly called Momordica Elaterium).
Elaterometer
(El`a*ter*om"e*ter) n. Same as Elatrometer.
Elatery
(El"a*ter*y) n. [See 2d Elater.] Acting force; elasticity. [Obs.] Ray.
Elation
(E*la"tion) n. [L. elatio. See Elate.] A lifting up by success; exaltation; inriation with pride of
prosperity. "Felt the elation of triumph." Sir W. Scott.
