piezoelectric effect /pī·ē′zō·ilek″trik/ [Gk, piezein, to press, elektron amber; L effectus] , 1. the generation of a voltage across a solid when a mechanical stress is applied. 2. the dimensional change resulting from the application of a voltage. 3. (in ultrasound) the conversion of one form of energy into another, such as the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy.
