† eˈlaterist Obs.
[f. elater1 + -ist.]
One who explains certain phenomena as due to the ‘elatery’ or elasticity of the air.
| 1661 Boyle Spring of Air i. ii. (1682) 3 His Adversaries (whom for brevities sake we will venture to call Elaterists). 1674 [M. Hale] Difficiles Nugæ 237 The Gravitation and Elasticity of the Air, invented by the modern Elaterists. 1708 in Kersey. 1721–1800 in Bailey. |