creep

creep,

a rheologic effect of metals and other solid materials that may become elongated or deformed as a result of a load being applied for a long period. For example, creep can occur in silver amalgam fillings that have been in place for some time.

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Creep

Cosmetic surgery A phenomenon that occurs in scalp reduction surgery after excision of a large area of alopecia, in which the skin slowly expands in response to a continuous force—e.g., the suture line at the point of closure
Managed care DRG creep
Materials science Cold flow A time-dependent strain or deformation of a material in response to a continuous force or constant stress; creep is of interest to orthopaedists who place prosthetic devices in weight-bearing regions—e.g., polyethylene components of artificial joints
Physiology A slow, continued lengthening of a muscle following a first phase of muscle lengthening
Vox populi A ne’er do well

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creep [krēp]

1. a physical property of materials that results in progressive deformation when a constant load is applied over time; it allows soft tissues to tolerate applied loads by lengthening.

2. to move along the ground using the arms and legs for propulsion. The trunk does not touch the ground.

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creep

a barrier containing small apertures. Only the young animals of the group can penetrate the barrier. See also creeping.

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creep barrier

a barred barrier permitting maximum auditory, olfactory, visual and palpatory contact without domination. A useful technique in a primate colony.

creep feeding

feed is placed on one side of the barrier and only the young can get access to it.

creep grazing

a creep is placed across the entrance to the pasture and only animals small enough to penetrate the creep get access to the pasture.

creep ration

a weaning diet, suitable for weaning the young, which are the only animals able to penetrate the creep.