-elater-

‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; driver, fr. &unr_; to drive. ] 1. (Bot.) An elastic spiral filament for dispersing the spores, as in some liverworts. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zoöl.) The caudal spring used by Podura and related insects for leaping. See Collembola. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Min.) A mineral resin, of a blackish brown color, occurring in soft, flexible masses; -- called also mineral caoutchouc, and elastic bitumen. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;, neut. of &unr_; 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). [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Same as Elatrometer. [ 1913 Webster ]