Elinvar is an alloy that is often used in watches due to its stable property of not easily expanding or contracting with heat and cold. However, there are several other words that can be used as synonyms for elinvar. These include Invar, a similar alloy made of iron and nickel, and Anvar, a slightly different version of elinvar made with cobalt. Additionally, some people may use the terms nickel-steel or Kovar to describe the same material. Regardless of the name used, the important feature of these alloys is their ability to maintain shape and precision under various temperature conditions.