n The plot of stress on a test specimen, usually in tension or compression, versus the corresponding strain, usually carried to the point of failure. The test is usually carried out at constant crosshead speed, i.e., at a constant rate of nominal elongation. The stress plotted is usually the nominal stress, i.e., the measured force at any time divided by the original cross-sectional areas, normal to the force, over which the force is distributed. The strain plotted is usually also the nominal quantity, i.e., the increase in specimen gage length divided by the original length. See also  True Stress and  True Strain.